The Neuropeptid Oxytocin – a miraculous drug?

Prof. Dr.David Slattery, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt
am 25. November 2019

The neuropeptide oxytocin seems to be constantly found in scientific and general news. Studies have shown that oxytocin, in addition to its many effects on social and reproductive behavior, is a profound anxiety- and stress-relieving factor. For this reason, there is considerable scientific and medical interest in the potential therapeutic benefit of this substance for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, depression, autism and schizophrenia. Although oxytocin can be considered a promising treatment, more detailed studies are needed to investigate the effects and possible side effects both in basic research and in the clinical environment. This presentation summarized the available basic and clinical evidence, both positive and negative, and discussed the current and future status of this fascinating neuropeptide.