[Boosting oxytocin in postpartum depression]

We examined whether intranasal oxytocin affects maternal caregiving, mood, and stress physiology in mothers with postpartum depression (PPD).

Double-blind, randomized, within-subject study.

45 mothers of 3-to-9-month-old infants with clinically relevant depressive symptoms, 35 of whom met criteria for major depressive disorder, received 24 IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo. Maternal sensitivity, expressed positive regard for the child, self-reported mood, and physiological stress responses (salivary cortisol, heart rate (variability)) were assessed during mother-infant interactions.

Oxytocin increased maternal positive regard for the child and self-reported positive affect but had no effect on sensitivity, negative mood, or stress physiology.

Oxytocin enhances positive maternal emotions in PPD and may represent a neurobiological link between PPD and reduced positive caregiving. Stimulating endogenous oxytocin release, such as skin-to-skin contact, could help strengthen the mother-infant relationship in PPD. Future research should clarify oxytocin's therapeutic potential, taking into account administration context and PPD severity.