Could intranasal oxytocin be used to enhance relationships? Research imperatives, clinical policy, and ethical considerations.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Well-functioning romantic relationships are important for long-term health and well being, but they are often difficult to sustain. This difficulty arises (in part) because of an underlying tension between our psychobiological natures, culture/environment, and modern love and relationship goals. One possible solution to this predicament is to intervene at the level of psychobiology, enhancing partners' interpersonal connection through neurochemical modulation. This article focuses on a single, promising biobehavioral sub-system for such intervention: the attachment system, based largely upon the expression of the neuropeptide oxytocin. Could the exogenous administration of oxytocin - under the right conditions - be used to facilitate relational or marital well bei

SUBMITTER: Wudarczyk OA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3935449 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature