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Oxytocin and Anxiety Disorders: Translational and Therapeutic Aspects

  • Anxiety Disorders (A Pelissolo, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to evaluate the most recent literature examining the oxytocin (OXT) system’s role in human anxiety by surveying various fields of preclinical and clinical research supporting this role, and queries whether the OXT system might be a target for novel anxiolytics.

Recent Findings

Evidence from the diverse body of literature presented here, from translational research, genetic and neuroimaging studies, to clinical trials of intranasal (IN) OXT reveals a positive association. In addition, some moderators (e.g., sex, specificities to cues) of OXT’s anxiolytic effects can have an important influence on its outcomes, awaiting further research.

Summary

Evidence for the role of OXT in regulating anxiety is undeniable. We expect that the diverse particularities of the OXT system will help broaden our understanding of anxiety and stress-related disorders. We conclude that OXT promises an enticing treatment option for human anxiety disorders especially those associated with socio-emotional dysfunctions.

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  1. Department of Psychiatry, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Wadih Jean Naja & Michaelangelo Pietro Aoun

  2. Gharios Medical Center, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Hazmieh, Beirut, Lebanon

    Wadih Jean Naja & Michaelangelo Pietro Aoun

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  1. Wadih Jean Naja
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Naja, W.J., Aoun, M.P. Oxytocin and Anxiety Disorders: Translational and Therapeutic Aspects. Curr Psychiatry Rep 19, 67 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0819-1

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