The possibility of using oxytocin to treat psychological disorders related to psychosocial stress was assessed by researchers at the University of California. The basis for their considerations was an earlier study in which it was noted that mice that were subjected to some kind of stressful factor had an increase in oxytocin secretion. Such rodents may avoid a variety of 'social' situations and a potential explanation for this is that they are avoided by increased oxytocin levels.

However, it is possible to come across studies according to which higher levels of oxytocin would increase the chances of making social contacts. Do the researchers' findings contradict each other? Well, not necessarily - oxytocin may have different effects on mammalian behaviour depending on which brain regions are stimulated by it.

Researchers in California carried out a number of different tests, including subjecting rodents to 'social stress' - a smaller mouse was placed in the same area with a larger than it and aggressive individual. Assessments were later made in which regions of the mice's brains there was increased oxytocin activity.

One of the most interesting stages of the study was the one where rodents, previously stressed, were administered substances that blocked oxytocin receptors. It turned out that the reluctance to make contact with other individuals of their species was reduced in such mice.

There is definitely still a long way to go to treat various psychological disorders by influencing oxytocin. However, it is possible that in the future - after various studies have been conducted - it will indeed be possible to treat various problems related to social anxiety precisely by influencing the hormone described.