Oxytocin and Social Adaptation: Insights from Neuroimaging Studies of Healthy and Clinical Populations. Issue 2 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Yina; Shamay-Tsoory, Simone; Han, Shihui; Zink, Caroline F.
• Is Part Of: Trends in cognitive sciences. Volume 20:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Cognitive science -- Periodicals; Cognitive neuroscience -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.10.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-6613

Abstract

Abstract : Adaptation to the social environment is critical for human survival. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), implicated in social cognition and emotions pivotal to sociality and well-being, is a promising pharmacological target for social and emotional dysfunction. We suggest here that the multifaceted role of OT in socio-affective processes improves the capability for social adaptation. We review OT effects on socio-affective processes, with a focus on OT-neuroimaging studies, to elucidate neuropsychological mechanisms through which OT promotes social adaptation. We also review OT-neuroimaging studies of individuals with social deficits and suggest that OT ameliorates impaired social adaptation by normalizing hyper- or hypo-brain activity. The social adaption model (SAM) provides an integrative understanding of discrepant OT effects and the modulations of OT action by personal milieu and context. Trends: The neuropeptide OT, implicated in social cognition and emotions pivotal to sociality and well-being, is emerging as a pharmacological target for social and emotional dysfunction. Studies of healthy populations that integrate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and intranasal OT indicate that OT modulates neural correlates of negative affect, positive and rewarding social experiences, and perceived salience of social signals. OT-neuroimaging studies of individuals with social deficits suggest that OT ameliorates impaired social adaptation by normalizing hyper- or hypo-brain activity. These findings support a SAM of OT that the multifaceted role of OT in socio-affective processes improves the capability for social adaptation. The clinical implications of the SAM for OT therapeutic potential are discussed.