Oxytocin (Oxt) (pron.: /ˌɒksɨˈtoʊsɪn/) is a mammalian neurohypophysial hormone that acts primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain. Wikipedia
The two main actions of oxytocin in the body are (1) contraction of the womb (uterus) during childbirth and lactation.
(2) In the brain, oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger and has been shown to be important in human behaviours including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, anxiety and mother-infant bonding. As a result, oxytocin has been called the ‘love hormone’ or ‘cuddle chemical’.
In those with Aspergers ( meaning the autism spectrum) oxytocin has been shown to be present in low or very low levels. Research is also showing low nocturnal levels in those with anorexia.
So I have both in my house, Aspergers and anorexia. My son has the aspie mask, shows little emotion, very controlled, has trouble showing the normal social responses and ‘fitting in’. The research results so far were enough for me to give oxytocin a try and see if it benefited either of my kids. Take note, both my kids are over the age of 16. They are just about fully grown in both body and mind.
For Sophie the hormone made no difference. Her asperger presents differently to my son and it made no difference to her anxieties. She can already relate socially quite well now she is out of the grip of anorexia and with counseling.
For my son, the difference was quick and noticeable Even his friends noticed he was more relaxed, more friendly. He smiles more, interacts more, the aspie mask is much softer. I haven’t even finished one bottle yet (under tongue spray and only for 5 nights a week). The oxytocin achieved more than I hoped for him and answered what I had wanted – a young man able to respond better to those around and be in relationship with.
I cannot say that my results will work across the board, nor do I recommend trying it on younger children without medical guidance. My biggest problem is being in Australia the hormone is not available, so I had to do this myself and monitor it. But the age of my son and his high functioning asperger’s were enough to know he would be OK.
It is worth anyone on the autism range following further the research of this hormone and the results. Testing is continuing on the usage of the hormone for those with Aspergers and those with anorexia. I have given quite a few links below for Aspergers that may give further information. The research for anorexia is still in very early stages and little is available.
http://discovermagazine.com/2013/may/16-can-oxytocin-treat-autism
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/15/science/la-sci-autism16-2010feb16
http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v28/n1/full/1300021a.html
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2011/02/oxytocin-hormone-inhalation-improves.html
