Oxytocin model of formation of psychotic symptoms and its implications for research on oxytocinergic pathway in schizophrenia

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Oxytocin model of formation of psychotic symptoms and its implications for research on oxytocinergic pathway in schizophrenia

Journal Title: Psychiatria Polska - Year 2014, Vol 48, Issue 1

Abstract

There are more and more data to support the dysregulation of the oxytocinergic pathway in schizophrenia. The development of the above branch of knowledge began to evolve alongside the mainstream of studies concerning gene polymorphisms for dopaminergic, glutamatergic and serotoninergic systems. Both experimental studies and clinical trials have demonstrated an antipsychotic effect of oxytocin. Starting with the pioneering neuroendocrinobehavioral experiment which demonstrated that oxytocin nasal spray increases the level of trust in healthy volunteers dozens of experiments were carried out confirming the modulatory role of oxytocin for the recognition of emotion, social memory, pro-social behaviours, collaborative behaviours and behaviours that require generosity and altruism. According to ,oxytocin model’ of development of psychotic symptoms – oxytocinergic system dysregulation may affect the incorrect attribution of meaning of emotional information from the environment. This can be manifested in the form of social cognition dysfunction and leads to abnormal social behaviour as withdrawal from social contact, isolation and formulation of paranoid delusions. From the clinical psychiatry point of view it became crucially need for research on selective oxytocin receptor agonists, as they may be used in the treatment of diseases which manifest in social withdrawal, lack of trust and the absence of affiliation behaviour as in schizophrenia.

Authors and Affiliations

Justyna Holka-Pokorska, Marek Jarema

Keywords

EP ID EP163082
DOI -
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