Oxytocin-rich nasal mist for those with autism

The study that was released on Monday said that the nasal spray that contains a hormone responsible for raising women’s maternal instincts and making men less shy, could prove useful for those suffering from autism.

The study
Thirteen adults with Asperger syndrome, a milder form of autism or high-functioning autism were considered for the study.

It was found that when these subjects were administered hormone oxytocin, they recognized faces better and could toss a ball with others better. This was established through tests and games they were made to participate in after having inhaled the hormone.

Although there is a need to delve into the matter to establish these findings, these results have further substantiated the idea that the hormone could help improving conditions of those with overwhelming brain disorders.

Angela Sirigu, who led the study and director of the National Center for Scientific Research in France, said, "This is the first study that looked at whether oxytocin has an effect on social behavior, which is a major deficit in autism. It looks like it could be very helpful."

In support of the research
Even researchers who were not a part of this study have come out in support of this work, claiming the findings looked promising and could give way to effective treatment of fundamental problems of those suffering from autism.

Chief of cognitive neuropsychology at the National Institute of Mental Health, Alex Martin said, "I think it's going to be a very exciting finding for a lot of people."

Since oxytocin’s effects last for a very brief period in the human body, several experts are of the view that the findings could prompt drug companies to come up with alternatives that have similar effects.

"This paper suggests that's worth doing. It adds another brick in the wall that suggests there may be an opportunity to develop treatment for one of the core symptoms of autism. That's been the brass ring," said Thomas R. Insel, director of the institute.

Even Sirigu agreed there was a need for more research on the issue. "It's possible it can become a cure, if it's given early when the problems are detected in the little kids. We can change the way these patients interact with people from childhood," Sirigu said.

Oxytocin and autism
Previous studies have indicated that some of those with autism may carry unusually low levels of oxytocin.

Karen Parker, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, said that identifying such people and giving them oxytocin may prove helpful.

"If you can find someone who appears to have deficits in oxytocin biology, giving them what you might argue would be replacement oxytocin may be helpful," he added.

Several studies done in the past in the nation have found that when autistics were administered intravenously, they engaged less in repetitive behavior and could identify emotions in voices more accurately.

Eric Hollander, director of the compulsive, impulsive and autism spectrum disorders program at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York, said, "All the data seem to suggest that manipulating the oxytocin system has a powerful effect on the core symptoms of autism."