The effect of intranasal oxytocin on social reward processing in humans: a systematic review

Autor(en)

Jakub Kraus, Eliška Výborová, Giorgia Silani

Abstrakt

Understanding the neurobiology of social reward processing is fundamental, holding promises for reducing maladaptive/dysfunctional social behaviors and boosting the benefits associated with a healthy social life. Current research shows that processing of social (vs. non-social) rewards may be driven by oxytocinergic signaling. However, studies in humans often led to mixed results. This review aimed to systematically summarize available experimental results that assessed the modulation of social reward processing by intranasal oxytocin (IN-OXY) administration in humans. The literature search yielded 385 results, of which 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The effects of IN-OXY on subjective, behavioral, and (neuro)physiological output variables are discussed in relation to moderating variables—reward phase, reward type, onset and dosage, participants’ sex/gender, and clinical condition. Results indicate that IN-OXY is mostly effective during the consumption (“liking”) of social rewards. These effects are likely exerted by modulating the activity of the prefrontal cortex, insula, precuneus, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and striatum. Finally, we provide suggestions for designing future oxytocin studies. Systematic review registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php, identifier CRD42021278945.

Organisation(en)

Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie

Externe Organisation(en)

Masaryk University, Maastricht University (UM)

Journal

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Band

14

ISSN

1664-0640

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244027

Publikationsdatum

09-2023

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ÖFOS 2012

501010 Klinische Psychologie, 301408 Psychophysiologie, 501013 Motivationspsychologie, 301402 Neurobiologie

Schlagwörter

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Psychiatry and Mental health

Link zum Portal

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/d11eff1a-bdd6-467c-a0ce-5c7e58e56934