OXYTOCIN: HOW DOES IT AFFECT SOCIAL BEHAVIOR?

Prakash Kumar Yadav*, Niraj Khatri Sapkota, Dev Kumar Shah, Deepak Sharma, Ram Lochan Yadav and Md. Nazrul Islam

ABSTRACT

The neuropeptide oxytocin has had key roles throughout mammalian evolution in the regulation of complex social cognition and behaviors, such as attachment, parental care, pair-bonding, as well as social exploration and recognition. Recently, studies have begun to provide evidence that the function of this neuropeptide is impaired in mental disorders associated with social deficits. The fundamental ability to form attachment is indispensable for human social relationships. Impairments in social behaviour are associated with decreased quality of life and psychopathological states. In non-human mammals, the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is key mediators of complex social behaviours, including attachment, social recognition and aggression. In particular, OXT reduces behavioural and neuroendocrine responses to social stress and seems both to enable animals to overcome their natural avoidance of proximity and to inhibit defensive behaviour, thereby, facilitating approach behaviour. Initial studies in humans suggest behavioural, neural, and endocrine effects of oxytocin, similar to that found in animal studies. This review focuses on advances made to date in the effort to understand the role of OXT in human social behaviour. First, the literature on OXT and its involvement in social stress and anxiety, social cognition, social approach, and aggression is reviewed. Second, we discuss clinical implications for mental disorders that are associated with social deficits (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, borderline personality disorder).

Keywords: Neuropeptide, oxytocin, social behaviour, stress, anxiety, attachment, approach behavior