Augmenting Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions with Oxytocin.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

The goal of this manuscript is to review the extant literature examining the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying the potential utility of intranasal oxytocin as a novel pharmacologic intervention for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and for the treatment of co-morbid PTSD and alcohol and substance use disorders.

Recent findings

Research indicates that intranasal oxytocin is a low-cost and easily accessible medication with an excellent safety profile. Oxytocin holds promise for facilitating more effective PTSD treatment, particularly when used in combination with evidence-supported psychotherapy interventions. There is still a significant need to identify the mechanisms of action underlying oxytocin treatment of PTSD, a

SUBMITTER: Flanagan JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6874414 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature