Can Oxytocin function as an antidepressant?

Abstract

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide and hormone and it is associated with bonding and trusting in mammalian social interaction. It has also been associated with an anxiolitic effect and is known do decrease activity of HPA axis. As depressed patient are know to have evelated activity of HPA axis and anxiety oxytocin might prove a candidate to reduce these symptoms in depressed patients. This paper is a literature study to to analyse if oxytocin can function as an antidepressed by reducing activity of HPA axis and anxiety related behaviour.