There have been prior reports of the connection between oxytocin and social capital and social trust; oxytocin works as a neurotransmitter and is produced from bonding between individuals and from the mothering process.
The latest reports are of a nasal spray of synthetic oxytocin to decrease social shyness.
University of Zurich researchers (Markus Heinrichs et al) have experimented with a nasal spray and are planning to conduct large scale tests. If these pan out, a product could be in the works in 5 years.
The spray increases social confidence and dissipates anxiety, making it easier for them for socialise with others.
The findings were formally presented at the International Brain Research Organization’s World Congress of Neuroscience in Melbourne, Australia this week.
The spray is reportedly very easy to use, and only requires squirting it up one’s nose. No reports of possible side-effects: likelihood of giving away the store? belief that a check actually is in the mail? belief that someone actually is selling me the Brooklyn bridge?
Background on oxytocin:
In addition to oxytocin being a byproduct of bonding between friends, it is also released from sex or mothers nursing their babies and is thought to accentuate the bonds between individuals.
A 2006 study by Domes et al in Biological Psychiatry reported that higher levels of oxytocin in the brain enhance our mind’s ability to read others’ emotions. Subjects whose oxytocin levels were mildly increased could infer significantly better, based only on eye cues, what a target person was thinking about. The effect was more pronounced for emotions harder to read through eye cues.
A 2005 study found that people sprayed with oxytocin were more trusting in a 1-on-1 cooperation game. (Nature magazine)
5 responses so far ↓
Robert Tracey // July 20, 2008 at 12:16 pm |
This is interesting. How does the spray work?
Is it like aromatherapy?
Other ways tooovercome shyness can be found here. http://tips-for-overcoming-shyness.com/how-to-deal-with-shyness
oxytocin spray // April 9, 2009 at 5:13 am |
Hi, researching oxytocin is a major interest of mine. I find it amazing all the things this hormone can do. For example an ape will take care of another’s young as her own if there is an adequate amount of oxytocin in the atmosphere.
Stephen Fitz-Gerald // July 25, 2009 at 4:07 am |
I would like to conduct my own experiments with this substance. Is it controlled…legal ?
Where might I acquire it?
Stephen Fitz-Gerald // July 25, 2009 at 4:12 am |
I am interested in experimenting with this substance to see if it enhances telepathy,active imagination,and remote viewing.
I just saw the latest Harry Potter movie in which there was featured a potion called “liquid luck”with striking similarities in it’s effects. Seems like a curious synchronistic coincidence…
RMPS // August 12, 2009 at 7:19 am |
Liquid Trust is a perfectly legal spray that contains a tiny amount of oxytocin but nevetherless has helped me noticeably improve my confidence and overcome my shyness when meeting new people.