Hormonal Help for Autism: A Dose of Oxytocin

[one...two...tree 2,762]

When we engage in intimate social interactions, the "trust hormone" oxytocin likely plays a role—it is vital to building normal relationships. Even a synthetic version has been shown to boost feelings of security. Now increasing evidence suggests that oxytocin could also correct some of the interpersonal deficiencies experienced by those who have autism.

In a study published in February in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 13 high-functioning adults with autism played a computerized ball-tossing game with three fictitious characters. Some of the computer-controlled players behaved less cooperatively than others, and to succeed at the game, subjects needed to identify them and avoid passing them the ball. When given a placebo, those with autism could not differentiate among playmates. After the patients received oxytocin, however, their performance resembled that of people without autism—they favored the more cooperative players.

"Not only can people with autism socialize more under the effect of oxytocin, they can understand the behaviors of others and respond accordingly," explains study co-author Angela Sirigu, director of research at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience in Bron, France.

Previous studies have found that oxytocin enhances autistic adults' ability to comprehend emotions in speech and tamps down repetitive behaviors, another common symptom of the disorder. The compound also helps autistic children better discern people's intentions by reading their eyes.

Although these studies are only proofs of principle—many more trials must happen before a drug could be approved—they suggest that oxytocin, if de­livered soon after a diagnosis of autism, could help sway early social interac­tions in favor of more normal development. "We don't have a lot of medications for the core symptoms of autism—arguably we have none," says Thomas R. Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health. "So if this has any im­pact, you want to try it."

http://www.scientifi...help-for-autism

[^_^ 5,021]

Ok, this is weird. When did autism become synonymous with being a nerd?

A blast of oxytocin nasal spray can turn a nerd into a potential playa—but only if a guy is "socially awkward" to begin with, scientists have found. Researchers discovered that the chemical—know as the "love hormone" for its ability to increase empathy and bonding, particularly between parent and child—can improve social skills among shy wall flowers. But it has little affect on people confident and socially adept to begin with.

Socially awkward men in the experiment performed significantly better on empathetic tests after a blast of oxytocin, with their abilities boosted to that of more outgoing participants. "Our data show that oxytocin selectively improves social cognition in people who are less socially proficient," explained the lead researcher. The findings hold promise for treatments of individuals suffering from disorders with marked social deficits, such as autism, notes the Telegraph.

And here's a "natural" way to get oxycotin, or however you spell it.

The so-called "love hormone," known for its role in strengthening the connection between mothers and babies, also makes for a healthy father-baby bond, new research shows.

The study, headed by psychologist Ruth Feldman at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, used blood samples from 80 cohabitating couples to chart the levels of the hormone oxytocin in first-time parents during the first weeks of parenting, and again after six months. Researchers also correlated the oxytocin levels with videos of parents interacting with their babies.

The bursts of oxytocin that women experience during birth and breastfeeding have been documented, so the mothers' high oxytocin levels didn't surprise researchers. What did surprise them was the fact that even without these huge hormonal triggers, fathers showed levels of oxytocin matching those of mothers during both time periods.

What gave dads that lift? Oxytocin levels in men were triggered by stimulatory parenting: tossing the baby in the air, pulling the little one up to sit, or encouraging exploration and laughter.

A mother's oxytocin levels, by contrast, were related to affectionate parenting such as soft hugs, caresses, light pokes, baby talk, or simply gazing into the baby’s face.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

What gave dads that lift? Oxytocin levels in men were triggered by stimulatory parenting: tossing the baby in the air, pulling the little one up to sit, or encouraging exploration and laughter.

....or you can drink your wife's breast milk. There are several recipes online for strawberry smoothies and creamy caesar dressing.

[^_^ 5,021]

....or you can drink your wife's breast milk. There are several recipes online for strawberry smoothies and creamy caesar dressing.

I have a feeling you are not kidding. Crazy hippie.