Authors: Katharina Schultebraucks; Tolou Maslahati; Katja Wingenfeld; Julian Hellmann-Regen; Julia Kraft; Maureen Kownatzki; Behnoush Behnia; Stephan Ripke; Christian Otte; Stefan Roepke · Research
How Does Oxytocin Affect Trauma Memory Formation? New Research Reveals Surprising Findings
Research shows intranasal oxytocin may increase rather than decrease traumatic memory formation in healthy women
Source: Schultebraucks, K., Maslahati, T., Wingenfeld, K., Hellmann-Regen, J., Kraft, J., Kownatzki, M., Behnia, B., Ripke, S., Otte, C., & Roepke, S. (2022). Intranasal oxytocin administration impacts the acquisition and consolidation of trauma-associated memories: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled experimental study in healthy women. Neuropsychopharmacology, 47(6), 1046-1054. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-021-01247-4
What you need to know
- Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” may actually increase rather than decrease traumatic memory formation
- Genetic factors and stress-related biological markers influence how oxytocin affects trauma memories
- The findings challenge previous assumptions about oxytocin’s protective effects against trauma
The Surprising Role of Oxytocin in Trauma
You may have heard of oxytocin as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical” - the hormone released during positive social interactions that makes us feel connected and calm. Given these soothing properties, researchers have long wondered if oxytocin could help prevent trauma-related disorders like PTSD. But new research suggests the relationship between oxytocin and trauma may be more complex than previously thought.
The Study Setup
Researchers conducted a carefully controlled experiment with 220 healthy young women. Half received oxytocin nasal spray while half received a placebo before watching a stressful film designed to mimic a traumatic experience. Over the next four days, participants kept detailed diaries tracking any intrusive memories about the film that popped into their minds uninvited.
Unexpected Results
Contrary to what many expected, participants who received oxytocin actually reported significantly more intrusive memories compared to those who received the placebo. This suggests that rather than protecting against traumatic memories, oxytocin may actually enhance their formation.
The Social Salience Theory
These findings align with a newer understanding called the “social salience hypothesis” of oxytocin. Rather than simply promoting positive feelings, oxytocin appears to amplify the importance and memorability of social experiences - whether positive or negative. Think of it as turning up the volume on emotional and social processing in the brain.
Biological and Genetic Factors Matter
The research also revealed that oxytocin’s effects varied significantly based on individual biological and genetic differences. Key factors included:
- Variations in stress-related hormones like cortisol
- Heart rate variability patterns
- Genetic risk scores for PTSD and depression
- Specific variations in the oxytocin receptor gene
What This Means for You
These findings have important implications for understanding trauma and its treatment:
- Oxytocin’s effects are more complex than previously thought and may not always be protective
- Individual biological and genetic differences significantly influence how someone responds to trauma
- One-size-fits-all approaches to preventing or treating trauma may not be effective
- Future treatments may need to be personalized based on individual biological profiles
Conclusions
- The relationship between oxytocin and trauma is more nuanced than previously believed
- Individual biological and genetic differences play a crucial role in trauma susceptibility
- These findings may lead to more personalized approaches to trauma prevention and treatment