Circulating levels of oxytocin may be elevated in complicated grief: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT: Complicated grief (CG) is a debilitating syndrome characterized by persisting and intense distress and impairment after the death of a loved one. The biological mechanisms associated with this syndrome remain unclear but may involve neurobiological pathways implicated in the stress response and attachment systems. The neuropeptide oxytocin has been implicated in attachment and social behaviour, and loss of social bonds has been associated with disruptions in oxytocin signalling. Furthermore, prior research has reported associations between circulating oxytocin and other mental illnesses, including depression. The present pilot study aimed to examine plasma levels of oxytocin in bereaved adults with primary CG (n = 47) compared to age- and sex-matched bereaved individuals with primary Major

SUBMITTER: Bui E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6713138 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature