{"id":29896,"date":"2015-11-18T15:27:55","date_gmt":"2015-11-18T23:27:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?page_id=29896"},"modified":"2015-11-24T14:19:52","modified_gmt":"2015-11-24T22:19:52","slug":"oxytocin","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/oxytocin\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxytocin"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AOxytocin<\/strong>,\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>a chemical messenger within the body, functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone in mammals. It plays an active role in social bonding, social memory, love <\/a>and intimacy<\/a>, sexual reproduction, and\u00c2\u00a0maternal functions before, during, and after childbirth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Is Oxytocin?<\/h2>\n

Oxytocin may be chemically classified as a nonapeptide, as it contains nine amino acyl residues,\u00c2\u00a0but\u00c2\u00a0biologically it is classified as a neuropeptide,\u00c2\u00a0due to its role in neuronal signaling. When acting as a neurotransmitter<\/a>, oxytocin is released directly into the brain<\/a> and spinal cord, where it bonds with oxytocin receptors to facilitate communication between neurons. When acting as a hormone, oxytocin is transported to, stored in, and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland.<\/p>\n

The Function of Oxytocin<\/h2>\n

Oxytocin plays a significant role in several key areas of human life. Its importance in social connection is highlighted by the fact that it is secreted when humans touch, hug, or experience orgasm. Oxytocin release is linked with sexual arousal, and as a result, a romantic couple\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s oxytocin levels may be particularly high during the first six months of dating.<\/p>\n

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Find a Therapist<\/a><\/h2>\n\t
\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\tAdvanced Search<\/a>\n\t<\/form>\n<\/div>Oxytocin also plays a major role in maternal physiology, psychology, and behavior. During childbirth, the widening of the cervix and vagina triggers the release of the hormone, which in turn increases the contractions of the uterus. Oxytocin is a vital component in lactation, as stimulation of the nipples prompts secretion of the hormone and facilitates milk let down. Several studies have linked oxytocin to the formation of strong maternal bonds.<\/p>\n

Due to its many roles and functions, oxytocin has been given many names by researchers and the general public. In addition to being called the love hormone, it has also been dubbed the moral molecule, the bliss hormone, the cuddle chemical, the trust hormone, and the hug hormone.<\/p>\n

Oxytocin and Mental Health<\/h2>\n

Oxytocin is considered to be important for\u00c2\u00a0healthy stress<\/a> regulation, social cognition, and social attachment<\/a>, and\u00c2\u00a0some mental health professionals believe\u00c2\u00a0the hormone may be an effective treatment for many psychiatric symptoms, as mental health\u00c2\u00a0issues might often stem from disruption in stress regulation or social processing systems.<\/p>\n

Currently, studies are being conducted to determine whether oxytocin treatment may be of benefit to those diagnosed with:<\/p>\n