Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are strongly involved in the regulation of social cognition and behavior. Behavioral studies in humans relying on the intranasal administration of the peptides demonstrate the influence of OXT and AVP on social interactions, e.g., attachment, interpersonal trust, and cooperative behavior, as well as emotion recognition, visual attention and social memory, indicating that OXT and AVP contribute to the processing of social cues. Clinical studies suggest that altered OXT signaling in particular may play a pathophysiological role in mental and developmental disorders characterized by social dysfunction, such as autism, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and social anxiety disorder. This article summarizes recent findings on OXT and AVP effects in healthy humans and patients and addresses potential therapeutical options in the treatment of mental disorders.
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