Role of oxytocin in social cognition in psychosis spectrum disorders

Social cognition deficits are recognized as key features of psychotic disorders, causing significant disability. Recent evidence supports that oxytocin may be a promising treatment to enhance social cognition. In this chapter, we review the biology of endogenous oxytocin, the mechanisms of action of exogenous oxytocin, and the role of oxytocin in social cognition. We present an overview of the current evidence by summarizing clinical trials of oxytocin across the spectrum of psychotic disorders. We also describe the results of clinical trials combining oxytocin with either psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral interventions. The latest literature has demonstrated that oxytocin may improve social cognition in severe mental disorders. Further studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic potential of oxytocin as a treatment for social cognitive deficits in psychotic disorders, and to develop specific evidence-based clinical guidelines.