Why Can't We Be Friends?

Oxytocin administration increases social behavior in individuals with autism.

Oxytocin is involved in social behavior and emotional bonding, including empathy and trust. Because patients with autism have low oxytocin levels, researchers are studying whether administration of oxytocin would improve their understanding of social cues (Nat Med 2008; 14:353). Andari and colleagues assessed the behavior of 13 high-functioning subjects with autism spectrum disorders as they looked at photographs of faces and played a computer-based multiround ball-toss game 50 minutes after receiving intranasal oxytocin spray (24 IU) or placebo. The behavior of 13 healthy controls, who did not receive oxytocin, was also assessed.

The game involved three fictitious partners, who exhibited different levels of reciprocal behavior (i.e., return…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience