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Dr. Davis' Oxytocin Interview.
| Oxytocin and Fear |
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In one fear study oxytocin nasal spray was administered to fifteen men prior to undergoing a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. While in the scanner, the men were asked to match fearful pictures and threatening faces. NIMH researcher Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg reported a significant decrease in fearful amygdala activity in response to higher oxytocin levels. The disturbing pictures quickly triggered the amygdala during the placebo scan, but far less after a few shots of oxytocin spray. The disparity was especially obvious in response to threatening faces, suggesting a powerful influence of oxytocin hormone in regulating fear. Oxytocin hormone also mitigated the amygdala's communication with the upper brainstem, the part of the brain that telegraphs fear response. This dual mode of oxytocin action suggests the hormone as a powerful treatment approach toward fear. Research will undoubtedly yield new oxytocin and fear or phobia studies Buy Oxytocin Now page. |

