Nasal sprays with the hormone oxytocin, nicknamed the "cuddle chemical", could ease the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Oxytocin is called the cuddle chemical because it helps mothers bond with their babies.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by symptoms of thought, behavior and social problems.
Advertisement
In the study, 15 participants used the sprays for three weeks only.
And most reported measurable improvements in their symptoms in the first trial to test oxytocin in schizophrenia.
"It's proof of concept that there's therapeutic potential here," New Scientist quoted David Feifel at the University of California in San Diego, head of the team running the trial, as saying.
![Causes of Neural Disconnection in Schizophrenia]( "Causes of Neural Disconnection in Schizophrenia")
Research has shown that dendritic spines act as hubs for communication between nerve cells
Each participant received oxytocin or a placebo for three weeks, then the opposite treatment for three weeks with a week break in between.
On the basis of two standard tests for schizophrenia, taken before and after each block of treatment, participants averaged improvements of around 8 per cent when taking the oxytocin compared with the placebo.
The effects didn't kick in until the final week, suggesting that it takes a while for the hormone to begin acting.
"Standard antipsychotic drugs increase their efficacy several weeks later too, so oxytocin fits that profile," said Feifel.
Feifel thinks that oxytocin is dampening down the excessive production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can trigger schizophrenic symptoms such as hallucinations.
He said that the rationale for treating people came from his own team's studies showing that oxytocin could relieve a form of psychosis in mice, and research showing that people who sniffed nasal sprays of oxytocin became more trusting, which could ease paranoia symptoms in schizophrenia.
The study has been published in Biological Psychiatry.
Source: ANI
"It's proof of concept that there's therapeutic potential here," New Scientist quoted David Feifel at the University of California in San Diego, head of the team running the trial, as saying.
Causes of Neural Disconnection in Schizophrenia
Research has shown that dendritic spines act as hubs for communication between nerve cells
Advertisement
Each participant received oxytocin or a placebo for three weeks, then the opposite treatment for three weeks with a week break in between.
On the basis of two standard tests for schizophrenia, taken before and after each block of treatment, participants averaged improvements of around 8 per cent when taking the oxytocin compared with the placebo.
The effects didn't kick in until the final week, suggesting that it takes a while for the hormone to begin acting.
"Standard antipsychotic drugs increase their efficacy several weeks later too, so oxytocin fits that profile," said Feifel.
Feifel thinks that oxytocin is dampening down the excessive production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can trigger schizophrenic symptoms such as hallucinations.
He said that the rationale for treating people came from his own team's studies showing that oxytocin could relieve a form of psychosis in mice, and research showing that people who sniffed nasal sprays of oxytocin became more trusting, which could ease paranoia symptoms in schizophrenia.
The study has been published in Biological Psychiatry.
Source: ANI
Structure of Brain Altered by Schizophrenia Drug
Research has revealed that haloperidol, an anti-psychotic drug has, within two hours of intake, the temporary effect of reducing a part in the brain which has an impact on movement and coordination.
Advertisement
 People With Diabetes More Likely to Develop SchizophreniaGlitches in insulin function-characteristic in diabetes and obesity - could directly contribute to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, according to researchers. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Mental Health News
Research suggests that loneliness can create confusion between genuine friends and cherished fictional characters, activating the same brain area.
Schizophrenic patients have a genetic link to increased cardiovascular risk factors, especially smoking and body mass index.
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression could be precursors to multiple sclerosis (MS), even before the classic MS symptoms appear.
Studying brain circuits tied to PTSD's progression from acute to chronic states is vital for grasping its pathophysiology and crafting targeted treatments.
Older adults with COPD were roughly twice as likely to develop depression if they faced functional limitations.
