Social Anxiety
In part 1 of this article we looked at how oxytocin can influence positive changes, particularly with respects to social Anxiety, fear and trust. We also discussed why this could be a useful biomedical autism intervention for many individuals on the autism-spectrum.
To get a more comprehensive picture of oxytocin, listed here are some additional benefits:
* Reduces blood pressure and regulates abnormal cortisol levels.
* Decreases anxiety, social anxiety and fear.
* Increases bonding and feelings of love.
* Improves social interactions and feelings of trust.
* Improves pain thresholds, as well as promotes growth and healing.
* Involved in milk production and let-down during breast-feeding, and plays a major role in mother to baby bonding.
In short, this is a very interesting hormone and a potential biomedical autism treatment to consider for individuals on the autism-spectrum who have social disinterest and fear, anxiety, and trust issues. Also, oxytocin’s ability to enhance facial recognition cues can be important for more normal social interaction and relationship development.
Oxytocin as a biomedical autism intervention is available as an injection and nasal spray. The nasal spray is generally used once to twice daily, or as needed in times of heightened fear and anxiety. Some compounding pharmacies are making oxytocin into sublingual tablets for immediate absorption. There is also a transdermal cream of oxytocin for those with difficulty doing the injection, nasal spray or tablets.
Like anything in medication, particularly when dealing with hormone chemistry some caution is warranted. It is important to recognize that hormones have profound effects throughout the body and can influence other physiological changes. Oxytocin does have some influence on sodium levels, as well as glucagon and insulin – which affects blood sugar.
My feeling is that continued use of a product like oxytocin needs to be monitored with periodic blood work to check various levels of blood chemistry. However, the potential upside as a biomedical autism treatment, particularly in individuals with significant anxiety and bonding issues – could be useful.
Don’t let ANYONE tell you there is nothing you can do to help your child. Autism really is treatable! Start your child down the road to recovery from autism. Biomedical Autism treatments and therapies have resulted in many, many children improving – even losing their autism-spectrum disorder diagnosis. For more information and a free ebook on biomedical autism treatment go to http://www.AutismActionPlan.org
Dr. Kurt Woeller is an autism biomedical specialist, with a private practice in Southern California for over 10 years. He has helped children recover from autism, ADD, ADHD, and other disorders, and has the information you need to help your child. Get his ebook, “7 Facts You Need To Know About Autism (But Probably Weren’t Told).” You can download it right now for free at http://www.AutismActionPlan.org
Social Anxiety : My Story Pt. 1