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Exploring a Possible Interplay between Schizophrenia, Oxytocin, and Estrogens: A Narrative Review
Danae Papadea1, Christina Dalla2, Despina A Tata1
1Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Oxytocin may enhance schizophrenia treatment, especially when combined with estrogen. This review explores their combined therapeutic potential, considering female hormone interactions and menstrual cycle effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Schizophrenia presents with psychosis and sociocognitive deficits.
- Oxytocin shows antipsychotic and prosocial properties, prompting therapeutic exploration.
- Sex differences in schizophrenia and oxytocin behavior suggest gonadal hormone involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on schizophrenia, oxytocin's therapeutic potential, and female gonadal steroid interactions, focusing on estrogens.
- To investigate potential synergistic effects between oxytocin and estrogen in schizophrenia treatment.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of empirical evidence.
- Searches conducted in PubMed and PsychINFO databases.
- Adherence to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a potential synergistic effect between oxytocin and estrogen in treating schizophrenia.
- Oxytocin may offer antipsychotic benefits, while estrogen provides neuroprotection.
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the menstrual cycle, may influence treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Combined oxytocin and estrogen therapy may offer a synergistic approach to managing schizophrenia.
- Further research is necessary to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.
- Considering menstrual cycle-related hormonal changes is crucial for future studies and treatment strategies.
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