How Love Hormones Work
Oxytocin Increases Intimacy & Bonding, Eases Psychological Disorders
Feb 15, 2008
Oxytocin is a brain chemical that mediates social behavior, which is why it’s sometimes called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin is released when mothers and babies first bond; it’s also present in intense emotional states. Oxytocin increases intimacy and bonding in sexual relationships.
Researchers are now studying oxytocin to see if it helps treat schizophrenia, autism, anxiety, and other psychological disorders.
How Love Hormones Work
Oxytocin is known as a love hormone because it goes beyond the mother-child connection to bonding in intimate relationships. Oxytocin is released during hugging and intimate touch; it also plays a strong role in sexual relationships.
“It’s said that the eyes are the window to the soul…they certainly are the window to the emotional brain,” said Dr Kai MacDonald. “We know that the eye-to-eye communication — which is affected by oxytocin — is critical to intimate emotional communication for all kind of emotions – love, fear, trust, anxiety.”
Oxytocin is a love hormone because it helps people bond in relationships, set up appropriate psychological boundaries, and maintain intimate relationships.
Increasing Love Hormones in Intimate Relationships
Massage, eye contact, hugs, and orgasms all increase love hormones. A close, loving relationship increases the production of this brain chemical (single men and women produce less oxytocin than those in intimate relationships). Any positive experience can increase oxytocin levels – and so can simply recalling positive events. Simply put, oxytocin is associated with positive relationships.
Oxytocin and Psychological Disorders
Dr Kai MacDonald and other University of California (San Diego) researchers are theorizing that this love hormone could help with psychological disorders. Oxytocin reduces fear, increases eye contact, and increases trust and generosity. This love hormone causes people to act differently – though they don’t necessarily feel different.
How can oxytocin help with psychological disorders? People with schizophrenia or autism often avoid meaningful interactions with others, especially eye contact. People with schizophrenia or other psychological disorders may not trust their doctors, family members, or intimate partners.
If oxytocin is increased in people with psychological disorders, it could be an effective way to treat schizophrenia or autism. Increased oxytocin facilitates trust, decreases anxiety, and positively affects social and emotional behavior.
Researchers are currently studying the effects of oxyocin on psychological disorders, but don’t have any clear answers yet.
If you found How Love Hormones Work interesting, you might like:
Source: University of California, San Diego (2008, February 14). Love Hormone' Promotes Bonding: Could It Treat Anxiety? ScienceDaily.
 |
