Oxytocin - the magic molecule

[petrushka.googol]

While surfing the net i chanced upon what could be termed as a revelation of sorts....there exists a hormone oxytocin which defines the bridge between socially acceptable behaviors and those that are anti-social. Psychosis occurs when the person is deprived of this hormone. Gregarious individuals secrete it in abundance. Is this then the key to nip the mind of the potential felon in the bud?

 

Does this hold any promise? Or is the research too inconclusive at this stage?

 

Any pointers?

[iNow]

Oxytocin is pretty cool stuff, but it is too much of an oversimplification (to the point of inaccuracy) to assume it's the only (or even primarily) relevant variable in felonious behavior. Perhaps for some specific individuals with some specific issues treatment with oxytocin could help in some limited ways, but it's quite unlikely to be a magic bullet in the way you seem to want.

[davidivad]

for psychosis, oxytocin is definitely beneficial.

http://graduatestudents.ucmerced.edu/pcobb/files/Adj_OT_sxs_in_scz.pdf

 

as far as for sociopathology, we need trials or studies to prove any possible effects.

 

just to note, there is a possibility that men can grow breasts and or lactate, however they also have medicine that can be given to counteract such effects.

 

the effects of oxytocin ARE permanent as far as we can tell. its introduction causes a significant change in cell density in specific areas of the brain.

Edited June 4, 2014 by davidivad