The hormone oxytocin influences our social behavior and emotional bonding. That is evident from the role played by the hormone that the body secretes when we stare into the eyes of the loved ones or cuddle them. This aspect of the hormone has encouraged researchers to explore the social benefits of the hormone in the treatment of autism in children. Autism leads to reticent behavior as children suffering from the disease tend to stay away from social mixing. Studies have shown that the use of oxytocin in children with autism resulted in promoting social behavior. Even some studies suggest that oxytocin increases our empathy. Popularly called the ‘love hormone’ it can help to stabilize relationships, relieve stress, socialize more and even improve sex drive.
Influences on human behavior
Oxytocin has a strong influence on human behavior and can impact various psychological aspects like trust, anxiety, aggression, bonding and even social understanding. Although our body produces the hormone naturally, its effect can vary because the hormone-producing ability differs among people. Therefore, the need for artificial oxytocin for treating various behavioral aspects started growing. That led to the discovery of administering oxytocin in the synthetic form, and soon it became the first synthesized polypeptide hormone available as oxytocin nasal spray. It is also available as an injection, and both are prescription drugs.
Benefits of a nasal spray containing oxytocin
Treatment of autism – An assortment of brain developmental disorders shows up in the form of autism that manifests through stereotyped and repetitive behavior coupled with deficiencies in social interaction. Oxytocin in the form of nasal spray is administered among children who have autism. That is because it has the potential of improving behavioral difficulties faced by those who have autism. Studies carried out on children who have autism have shown that the use of nasal spray containing oxytocin for five weeks resulted in considerable improvement in social responsiveness.
Intimacy in relationships – For enjoying happiness in life you have to take care of your relationships to see that it blossoms into love. However, this can often be quite challenging to achieve due to a variety of tensions underlying relationships. Divergent relationship goals, varying psychobiological natures, and cultural pressures are most dominant reasons for developing strained relations. A study has shown that those who use a nasal spray containing oxytocin have experienced improvement in relationships as it inhibited the behavior resulting from fear and anxiety.
Puts brakes on infidelity – Maintaining positive relationships in marriages are often tricky and cheating is one of the major causes of unhappy marriages. The growing rate of divorce and breakups is alarming. Both men and women indulge in adultery and have posed severe challenges to the institution of marriage, half of which end in divorce. Emotional distress, social tensions, and stress are the dominant factors for marital discord and the use of nasal spray by men has shown that they feel less attracted to other women.
However, you must ensure that you use the nasal spray only under medical supervision.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
