Oxytocin role in enhancing well-being: A literature review

Hypnosis, Attachment, and Oxytocin:An Integrative Perspective1

“…Oxytocin (OT) is a hormone and neuropeptide synthetized in the pituitary gland, mainly known for its role in animal and human pairbonding, recognition of nonverbal social stimuli, psychological wellbeing, and mothering behaviors (for a review, see Ishak, Kahloon, & Fakhry, 2010;Scantamburlo, Ansseau, Geenen, & Legros, 2009;Tom & Assinder, 2010).…”

Distinct oxytocin effects on belief updating in response to desirable and undesirable feedback

“…The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin (OT) is an evolutionarily ancient neuropeptide implicated in sociality and well-being (3,4) and has been recently proposed as an important molecular substrate for social adaptation (5). The social adaptation model (5) posits that a fundamental function of OT is to promote adaptation to the social environment, by modifying cognitive processes and emotional responses and adjusting behaviors.…”

Reduced Maladaptive Behavior and Improved Social Function in a Child with PDD-NOS Treated with Progesterone

“…It is released into the circulation to provide peripheral effects and also delivered to several structures of the brain. 6 Oxytocin is known to promote maternal-infant bonding, play a role in sexual behavior, and affect social situation behaviors. It has widespread beneficial effects such as inducing a general sense of well-being (including calmness), improved social interactions, increased trust, and reduced fear; however, an oxytocin dysfunction may be associated with neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism, especially in regards to social behaviors.…”

“…7,8 It has been shown that children with autism have lower levels of plasma oxytocin and increased levels of oxytocin precursors, suggesting a defect in the way oxytocin is processed. 6 Many studies have been done to support the role of oxytocin in the treatment of several aspects of autism, such as social deficits, repetitive behavior, fear and trust, and improvements in all of these areas has been shown. Although none of the studies that looked at oxytocin and its effects (both beneficial and adverse) also looked at progesterone, their effects are quite similar.…”