Oxytocin in Schizophrenia: Pathophysiology and Implications for Future Treatment

Schizophrenia is a form of mental disorder that is behaviorally characterized by abnormal behavior, such as social function deficits or other behaviors that are disconnected from reality. Dysregulation of oxytocin may play a role in regulating the expression of schizophrenia. Given oxytocin's role in social cognition and behavior, a variety of studies have examined the potential clinical benefits of oxytocin in improving the psychopathology of patients with schizophrenia. In this review, we highlight the evidence for the role of endogenous oxytocin in schizophrenia, from animal models to human studies. We further discuss the potential of oxytocin as a therapeutic agent for schizophrenia and its implication in future treatment.

Automated summary

Schizophrenia is characterized by abnormal behavior, and dysregulation of oxytocin may play a role in its expression. Studies have shown potential clinical benefits of oxytocin in improving the psychopathology of patients with schizophrenia. Oxytocin has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for schizophrenia and may have implications for future treatment.