CAJ: Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that is usually associated with empathy, bonding, trust etc. While researching for my CAJ, I often stumbled upon articles that mentioned it, or nicknaming it a "love drug", "cuddle chemical", "moral molecule" and "bonding hormone". Oxytocin sounds like a very beneficial hormone we humans (and other mammals) posses. But what is oxytocin actually responsible for?

In a nutshell:

During childbirth it is responsible for uterine contraction which facilitates giving birth

After childbirth: During lactation oxytocin is released for a smooth muscle contraction. It also is responsible for the maternal bonding process between mother and child.

Bonding: It is not only relevant for maternal bond but for bonding between living creatures in general. Oxytocin evokes the desire to connect physically and is released during contact with a person or fluffy animal. In addition, it is known for its release during sexual orgasm.

Lying: When in contact with other people in a group, the hormone makes one's focus shift from oneself as an individual to the benefits of the entire group. In a double-bling study, where one group inhaled oxytocin and the other one a placebo, the results showed that the hormone boosts dishonest behavior if it is advantageous for the group.

Autism: Scientists hope that in the future oxytocin will be a possible treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). As these children have difficulties with upholding eye-contact, and therefore with cooperation and interaction with other human beings the hormone, when inhaled, could be the key for establishing the ability for social behavior in autistic children.

Sources:

• http://markturrell.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/sex-and-the-brain-how-neuroscience-may-soon-change-all-our-relationships-6/

• http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/39595/title/Oxytocin-Boosts-Dishonesty/

• http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/7087