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Oxytocin and social anxiety, pyroluria and depression?

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A 2014 paper published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research looked at how variations in the oxytocin receptor gene is associated with increased risk for anxiety, stress and depression in individuals with a history of exposure to early life stress. Here are some excerpts from this paper:

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that is involved in the regulation of mood, anxiety and social biology.

Genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) has been implicated in anxiety, depression and related stress phenotypes.

In this study, we examined genotypes in 653 individuals and tested whether SNP variation in OXTR correlates with severity of features of self-reported experience on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), and whether this correlation is enhanced when early life trauma is taken into account.

The study found a significant effect of several oxytocin receptor genes (OXTR genotypes) on anxiety, stress and depression scores. They concluded that:

These results support the hypothesis that the oxytocin system plays a role in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders.

In this 2015 paper published in Neuropsychopharmacology, they looked at “Oxytocin modulation of amygdala functional connectivity to fearful faces in generalized social anxiety disorder” and found that oxytocin lessened anxiety by dampening amygdala reactivity to threat in individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder.

Results indicated that in individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder:

Oxytocin enhanced functional connectivity between the amygdala and the bilateral insula and middle cingulate/dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus during the processing of fearful faces

These findings suggest that [oxytocin] may have broad pro-social implications such as enhancing the integration and modulation of social responses.

We know that low serotonin can cause anxiety, worry and depression and research shows there are interactions between oxytocin and serotonin levels. So if you don’t respond to serotonin support (tryptophan or 5-HTP or light therapy), maybe boosting oxytocin is a possible solution?  Or maybe supporting serotonin will boost oxytocin? 

What is also really interesting to me is that zinc is needed for binding oxytocin to its receptor so I wonder about the oxytocin connection to pyroluria, a social anxiety condition where higher amounts of zinc and vitamin B6 are needed. I wonder if adding oxytocin to the mix or boosting it would help even more?  Or if optimizing zinc use and absorption would help promote oxytocin?

Have you had your oxytocin levels tested? Have you used oxytocin with good results and did it help your social anxiety/pyroluria and/or depression?  Have you done anything else to boost your oxytocin levels?

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Hi there – Interesting isn’t it!? thanks for the link to the dark side. I feel this shows that there is no one size fits all and it certainly won’t work in every situation. This may also be showing the reverse effect of too much or when someone doesn’t actually need it (as we see if someone doesn’t need tryptophan for example – they may feel more depressed or more angry or more anxious).

      I do know that cholesterol levels play a role, there is a test that can be done and the most effective way to take it seems to be via a nasal spray. I’m learning and plan to share more as I learn more. We will also have an expert sharing more on season 3 of the The Anxiety Summit so stay tuned. And post questions you’d like addressed here.

      I’d also love to know why you think you may need it?
      Trudy

      Reply

      • I am curious about your comment regarding cholesterol. My son has low cholesterol. He had a severe reaction to an anti anxiety medication and has been slowly coming out of a foggy, depressive state. He is anxious around peers and we have thought about using oxytocin to help. But is your comment about low or high cholesterol?
        Thanks

      • Are there any drugs in development that work on the receptors and reuptake of oxytocin?

  2. Hi Trudy,

    I’m disturbed by this article. Isn’t oxytocin a highly addictive drug? I don’t see the point of trading anxiety or depression for the possibility of addiction. I have heard that oxytocin addiction is almost as bad as heroin addiction. I would welcome your thoughts on this.

    Reply

    • Hi Beth
      I think you’re thinking of OxyContin (oxycodone) which is a narcotic pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain, and is highly addictive.
      Trudy

      Reply

    • Oxytocin is naturally produced in our bodies. One of the bonding hormones produced when in love or when a mom gives birth.

      Oxycodone is a narcotic used for pain management – not naturally occurring in our bodies.

      Reply

  3. I used 20mg oxytocin trochees for back pain & headaches (I have complete spinal fusion)

    I’ve used it for 3 years now. It’s wonderful stuff. I’ve also noticed I’m more caring to other while using oxytocin.

    Reply

    • Hi Meagan
      Thanks for sharing your experience with oxytocin. I love that you mention you’re more caring. Do you notice any changes in being more social?

      I’d love to know: has it completely eliminated the back pain and headaches?

      Would you also share if this is prescription oxytocin and did you have your levels tested before and now that you are using it?
      Trudy

      Reply

      • When I got my doctor to prescribe it – I was unaware that the testing was accurate so I did not test my levels prior to using oxytocin.

        It does take away my pain completely. I use them on an “as needed” basis.

        I asked my doctor to prescribe it for me – he has never heard of it but was fine giving it to me.

        I do notice I’m more relaxed in social setting with it

      • Hi Trudy,

        I use 20mg oxytocin in the form of a trochees – I use it for neck and back pain and headaches. It does work really well. I do not take any other pain reliever.

        I scored a 23 on your pyroluria questionnaire

  4. Thanks for the article. I am currently trying to get into a study in boston that is testing oxytocin. Hoping desperetly it my help me out of the dark pit of depression I have been in for almost 20 years, and it has caused me so much pain.
    All treatments for depression such as ssri’s and therapy and such have done nothing, but lett me tired and frustrated.
    I am waiting to hear back to see if I will get into the study.
    Is there a way we can increast ocytocin naturally. I have seen homeopathic remedies, but I don’t really think homeopathic works, I have tried it in the past when I was desperate for anything to kill the pain of depression. I just bought a bottle of the homeopathic stuff, even though I know it probably won’t do a thing, but I am so desperate. I would try anything at this point, logical or not. I have looked for ways to increase oxytocin and endorphins but haven’t found anything natural that does that. Exercise is supppose to release endorphines, but leaves me tired for days at a time. Hopeyfully oxytocin will be another treatment option for those with depression, time will tell.

    Reply

    • Hi Mike
      I’m sorry to hear you are in a dark pit of depression.

      I’d love to hear more about the Boston oxytocin study (do you have a link you can share?) and why you feel oxytocin may be worth looking into? have you tested and found you have low oxytocin? and do you have total cholesterol below 150?

      I’m assuming you’ve tried all the other depression nutritional approaches? real whole food/quality animal protein, no sugar/caffeine/gluten, addressing gut issues, trial of tyrosine and/or tryptophan and/or DPA (raises endorphins), addressing pyroluria if it’s an issue, looking at low vitamin D/low iron/low total cholesterol, addressing adrenal and sex hormones health, methylation support etc

      I’m not familiar with homeopathic oxytocin but will be checking it out. Many people do really well with homeopathics so it may help. I’m going to do a whole blog post on natural ways to increase oxytocin. Here are a few…hugs, smiles, massage, touch, lovemaking. In women it’s released during childbirth and breastfeeding.

      If exercise leaves you tired for days then it’s likely too much for you right now. I’d suggest gentle walking outdoors and yoga, and having your adrenals looked at (4 x saliva collection of cortisol levels)
      Trudy

      Reply

    • Mike, if you haven’t already I’d seriously consider exploring sam-e for depression. When western med didn’t work for me, only sam-e, it’s available by prescription on in Europe whee it’s been proven, but luckily sold over the counter here in the states where it’s only been test for other health conditions like joint pain. This is fast working. I feel it with hours 48 hrs but for some it’s up to two weeks. My doctors says 200mg morning, 200mg night both on empty stomach. Do this to start, can work up to 800mg night, 800mg day if needed but not to exceed. The brands I find most effective are Jarrows and nature’s plus. Costco offers a great deal on Nature’s plus, very affordably and I get my Jarrows at Wholefoods and online somtimes it’s cheaper. This is really great info for anyone suffering from depress. Sam-e is chemical the body produces naturally. Somehow ingesting it increases serrotonin and dopamine, maybe even oxytocin. I definitely feel more social when I am on sam-e. when i feel a lot better i stop taking it and wait until the next depress (my are environmentally triggered). I always begin taking it when I feel a spiral and it’s unbelievable how well it works. Ease Plus by health concerns is also an amazing product for me personally with feelings and anxiousness and jittery or heart palpitations or taxed adrenals. Combined I am golden. Hope you all find what works for you 🙂

      Reply

  5. I HAVE TAKEN 60 MG OF ZINC AND 500MG OF B6 FOR PYROLURIA FOR MONTHS AND NO IMPROVEMENT. WHEN I TAKE THE LIQUID ZINC TEST IT HAS ONLY THE SLIGHTEST TASTE.

    Reply

    • Nancy
      I would suggest looking at sources of copper in your diet and supplements and possibly testing copper and ceruloplasmin (high copper = low zinc). We need good stomach acid for zinc absorption so look into this too. And get your fatty acid levels tested and/or add evening primrose oil to enhance zinc absorption.

      Do you have any change in dream recall? or any symptom improvement?
      Trudy

      Reply

  6. Thanks for the article and information. I’m looking forward to reading the source material. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life and am trying to put the puzzle pieces together (MTHFR mutation, severe childhood stress). Can you recommend a brand of oxytocin?

    Reply

    • Hi Dawn
      I don’t have a brand I can recommend but will share more in future blog posts. As I just shared with Jess, as far as I am aware, there is a prescription-only version.

      Please share why you feel oxytocin may be worth looking into? have you tested and found you have low oxytocin? and do you have total cholesterol below 150?

      I am assuming you have already tried all the other approaches? real whole food/quality animal protein, no sugar/caffeine/gluten, addressing gut issues, a trial of GABA and/or tryptophan, addressing pyroluria if it’s an issue, looking at low vitamin D/low iron/low total cholesterol, addressing adrenal and sex hormones health.

      You mention MTHFR mutation so methylation support, detox, stress reduction is key.
      Trudy

      Reply

  7. Hi Trudy, I had heard great things about oxytocin before and thought I would like to try it for anxiety and depression. Also do you think it would help with sleep? Is it something that has to be prescribed or can I get it at a vitamin shop?

    Reply

    • Hi Jess
      I do know there is prescription-only version and am looking into other non-prescription options. As a learn more I’ll share more in future blogs.

      Please share why you feel oxytocin may be worth looking into? have you tested and found you have low oxytocin? and do you have total cholesterol below 150?

      I don’t know about sleep but would assume it would help due to the serotonin connection. I would however try all the other approaches first: real whole food, no sugar/caffeine/gluten, addressing gut issues, trial of GABA and/or tryptophan, addressing pyroluria if it’s an issue, looking at low vitamin D/low iron/low total cholesterol, addressing adrenal and sex hormones health, methylation support etc
      Trudy

      Reply

  8. Thank you for this article. “Exposure to early life stress” seems to me the salient factor here and oxytocin is not called the nurturing hormone for nothing!
    My question is about the amount of B6 and zinc for Rx pyroluria. During your first summit on food and anx., when you were interviewing Dr.Greenblatt I believe, you said to take 100mg-500 mg/WEEK. In later writings and talks with you I thought I heard to take 100mg/DAY of B6 with 30 mg of Optizinc to start. Can you please clarify? And I know it varies, but clarifying my confusion is what I’d appreciate here.

    Reply

    • Hi Kim
      I have my clients start with 100mg vitamin B6 and increase each week (or two) by 100mg to a total of 500mg day, based on dream recall. Hope this helps with the confusion. Some people may do better on P5P and the starting dose is 25mg.
      Trudy

      Reply

      • Hello Trudy,
        Just re-reading your blog here, did you say

        “100mg vitamin B6 and increase each week (or two) by 100mg to a total of 500mg day, based on dream recall. ”

        I”ve been on your protocol for many months and seem to be doing well. (I solved most of my anxiety by addressing my adrenals and low blood sugar) But this is the first time I’ve seen 100mg B6 to start? Should I be increasing my B6 and if so what would I be watching for? I sleep pretty well (all things considered if I don’t do coffee, etc)
        I’m using Sisu B6 and Zinc and Evening Primrose if that matters.
        Thanks for all your help and research!
        RIta 🙂

      • Rita
        Yes, we start on 100mg vitamin B6 and increase to 500mg based on dream recall (they should be pleasant and you should remember your dreams daily) and anxiety

  9. Trudy I was just reading about this elsewhere today. What can we do to boost our oxytocin levels in a natural way? Are zinc supplements the answer? Do you believe in B12 shots?

    Reply

    • Hi Mary Ellen
      I’m going to do a whole blog post on natural ways to increase oxytocin. Here are a few…hugs, smiles, massage, touch, lovemaking. In women it’s released during childbirth and breastfeeding.

      There is also a nasal spray and a homeopathic formulation that helps boost your own production.

      I don’t know is zinc supplements are the answer but I suspect having optimal zinc would be important. Keep in mind that zinc is a very common deficiency and is depleted by stress, sugar consumption and exercise. And the amount in a multi is often not enough for many people.

      I do think B12 shots or sublingual B12 are the best ways to take vitamin B12.
      Trudy

      Reply

  10. Great article! I’ve found 5HTP to be very effective for me in the past.

    I’ve also noticed a HUGE different in my mood and energy since I stopped eating processed sugar. Wow! I’m like a whole different person. : D

    PJ

    Reply

    • Hi Peace
      I think probiotics are great and I’m also a big fan of fermented foods for increasing our good bacteria in the gut. And yes, 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut so gut health is so important for good mental health
      Trudy

      Reply

  14. Hi Trudy,

    I appreciate your information on oxytocin and look forward to hearing more about this from you.

    As you do more research you might want to look into John Gray. He’s the one that wrote Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. He’s done research on oxytocin and includes information about this in his books Venus on Fire Mars on Ice & Why Mars & Venus collide. You may want to look at his video here:
    http://meridianvalleylab.com/24-hour-urinary-oxytocin-testing

    His focus does seem to be in relation to sexual response, however, he has other snippets that may be worthwhile such as things to do to increase your oxytocin.

    In the video he cautions about taking the oxytocin supplement because it works great when you first take it then the next day can be a real downer – it has an up and down effect. Also the RX for women formula he refers to can be found on his site in the shop area as RX-W.

    I hope you find this helpful.
    Alice

    Reply

    • Alice
      I appreciate you sharing this and will check it all out for sure.

      I have also heard some negative things about the oxytocin supplement so look forward to learning more from experts in this area.

      I did just interview Dr Eva Selhub for season 3 of the Anxiety Summit (www.theanxietysummit.com) and she talked about oxytocin and writes about it in one of her books “The Love Response.” More reading!
      Trudy

      Reply

  15. Hi Trudy
    Great article. I am very greatful for the information sherd about pyroluria in the first summit. I was desprate at the time with severe anxiety, nightmares and intrusive thoughts. From the questionare it was obvious that I have it. Later I verified it with a test. I took at that day b6 and zinc and it was like bulb has switched on. It took a few weeks to find the correct dose to supress the symptoms which included skin problem anxiety viral infection and enrgy level. I am on b6 300mg and optizinc 90mg multivitamin borage oil. I have tried to tapper the zinc dose but the symptoms always come back and with this regime the tali zinc is 2 and rarely 3. I suspect somthing else is going on like malabsorption so i take hcl/ enzymes when I eat but I did not noticed any difference . I reduced the intake of food rich in copper (nuts avocado). I know i have high inflamation and this might also exacerbate the mental issues. But eating stone age diet with fermented food has not reduced the crp. I experimented with autoimmune version and more stricter elimination diet for 2weeks with out difference. Any thoughts?

    Reply

    • Tammy
      It’s good to hear the positive results you’ve seen – wonderful! Things I’d look in to are adrenal issues, heavy metals, Lyme, parasites, candida, other sources of copper (like water, IUD etc)
      Trudy

      Reply

  16. Interesting information on zinc/b6/copper. For someone who tests low on zinc, would a copper kitchen sink affect their intake of copper? Thinking yes, but never thought to ask the question before…

    Reply

    • Possibly but unlikely unless food items like vegetables or fruits were soaked in water in the sink

      Reply

  17. ok….just learned of the condition of pyroluria this week; think that could explain my life filled with anxiety, awkwardness, shyness, fear of social situations, often practically mute (in junior high someone asked if i was). My first pregnancy went 10+ months, never went into labor, even after they broke the water. Lack of oxytocin?? C-section, then a planned C-section for the second child because my doctor and I didn’t know if it would happen again. I was never told why that could’ve happened.

    Reply

    • Bethany
      I’m glad you’re getting answers and thanks for sharing your story about never going into labor. It could well be related to lack of oxytocin.

      Please do keep us posted on how you do on the pyroluria protocol.

      Reply

  18. Hi Trudy,

    I had the lab test done from 23andme.com I am wondering about oxycotin on that test, raw data used by my Dr.,
    she is wondering what RSID for OXTR gene. Do you happen
    to know this info or what I would be looking for in the sips to see if there is an issue there for me.
    Thank you so much Trudy. I enjoy your information

    Reply

  19. Hi Trudy

    Thank you for providing so much great information.

    My daughter is 17 years old and has suffered from hyperhydrosis her whole life. Have you worked with any one with this social anxiety? I just received some test back. Her iron levels were 141 ug/dl out of a range of 50-170. Folic acid 25.7 mg/ml out of a range of 3 – 21. Vit B12 492 pg/ml out of a range of 200 – 1000. Magnesium 1.04 mmol/L out of a range of .75 a 1.07. Zinc 13.63 umol/L out of a range of 13.80 – 22.30. Unfornately the lab we used did not test for B6.

    I am planning on trying acupuncture and yoga breathing techniques but would appreciate any direction through supplementation you feel we should try……this condition has greatly affected the quality of her life.

    Thanks
    Carrie

    Reply

  20. Hi there, iv been doing research on oxytocin to help treat anxiety and depression and have found both good and bad results. Would by taking oxytocin orally or (injected form) both have different effects? Id love to try and give this ago as i suffer with anxiety and depression myself. Are people actually using this as a form of treatment and im worried my Dr may refuse my wishes of using it as a form of treatment?? Is there anything i can print of and show my Dr and psychiatrists? I really want to try this drug! Thankyou for sharing your great article and hopefully ill be able to try this out. X

    Reply

  21. Hi Trudy, I would like to know your thoughts on social phobia in children as well as a possible connection of difficult birth and GSAD. What forms of supplements/dosages of B6 zinc etc and oxytocin for a six yr old boy? Thanks so much for all your good info!!

    Reply

  22. I take nasal Oxytocin (OxyLuv on Amazon) 40IU 1 hour before sex. To my surprise it works for partially reversing my anorgasmia. I do not feel any effect on social anxiety, or the effect is too tiny for me to detect it.

    Reply

  23. Hi all. I just wanted to check in before I start 20mcg daily or troche oxytocin. I’ve suffered with social anxiety for 20 years (my brother also suffers from it). So anyway, I will keep you posted on my progress. Will start this week. Also, not sure if it’s been mentioned here, but new studies from June, 2015 have suggested that it’s HIGH serotonin that causes social anxiety, as opposed to low, as always thought. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Doris
      Please do let us know how you do. I’m pleased you found a doctor to work with.

      Thanks for the serotonin comment – it seems to be high OR low serotonin.

      Reply

  24. I had the Organix comprehensive profile completed and it shows “very high” serotonin, which according to my doc proves the theory that excess serotonin is the cause of social anxiety. It was very surprising to my doctor.
    Social anxiety is thought to be due to over activity in the left amygdala. Oxytocin has been shown to reduce that hyperactivity. I’m anxious to get started on it.

    Reply

  25. Hi, on the Organix test, it’s 5-hydroxyindoleacetate. I scored very high. According to my doc this is an indication I’m releasing and up taking excess serotonin. I also started my first dose of oxytocin today – 20mg troche. I have to say that I felt much less anxious around my coworkers. For those of us who have social anxiety, you know that feeling of not wanting to even speak for fear everyone will be looking at you right? I just didn’t seem to have that anxiety. I do believe oxytocin may hold the key to regulate the hyperactive amygdala that’s responsible for social anxiety. I’m also well aware that time will tell of this truly is helping me or if I’m experiencing the placebo effect. But since a lot of social anxiety is rooted in what others perceive of us, maybe the placebo effect isn’t so bad either roght? As long as it helps us in social situations.

    Reply

    • Thanks Doris. I don’t see many organic acid tests (the Genova Organix is one of them) but yes 5-hydroxyindoleacetate/5-HIAA may be used to help determine serotonin levels in the body. I feel we need to use markers like this in conjunction with symptoms and other factors too since 5-HIAA can be high from SSRI use, taking too much 5-HTP/tryptophan, a carcinoid tumor and even medications: “acetaminophen, caffeine, ephedrine, diazepam (Valium), nicotine, glyceryl guaiacolate (an ingredient found in some cough medicines), and phenobarbital” https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/5hiaa/tab/test

      Going back to your earlier comment: it “proves the theory that excess serotonin is the cause of social anxiety” – because of the above I don’t know that we can say this conclusively. But I’m sure your doctor has considered these factors too.

      Please do keep us posted on how the oxytocin helps

      Reply

  26. Trudy, yes thanks for the information on what might also cause excess serotonin. We are all individuals and so yes, there are so many contributing factors. Symptoms and labs are pretty much all we can go on. My goal on here for is to hopefully help just one person who may have the same set of issues I have. It just seems we’ve heard so much that it’s low serotonin, low serotonin, at least that’s what my doc thought until recently. Just wanted to put a different light on the subject. I don’t take SSRIs or any prescription medicine other than a very low dose of lirothyronine which is straight T3. I do drink one coffee in the morning, but these labs were drawn before the caffeine. I also think cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with oxytocin is helpful. I’ve been watching some online CBT sessions and I think it’s helpful.

    Reply

  27. Hi Trudy,

    Thank you so much for this info! Will taking oxytocin help if your cholesterol is indeed very low? My son’s level was only at a 22. We are working on raising that now, but do his cholesterol levels need to be much higher before we start oxytocin or will the oxytocin work if ch levels are low?

    Thank you!!
    Jennifer

    Reply

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