14 DAY TRIAL // Northwestern Medicine researchers have recently discovered that, contrary to popular opinion, having your body flooded with oxytocin might not be such a pleasant experience.
This hormone has long been known to foster and promote positive emotions such as love. What's more, it makes people feel good about themselves and those around them, EurekAlert explains.
Still, new evidence suggests that oxytocin has a darker side that remained concealed for many years.
Experiments carried out on mice have shown that, under certain circumstances, this hormone increases fear and anxiety.
Furthermore, it strengthens bad memories, the same source details.
The researchers hope that their discovery will help develop better oxytocin-based treatments for various psychological conditions.
“By understanding the oxytocin system's dual role in triggering or reducing anxiety, depending on the social context, we can optimize oxytocin treatments that improve well-being instead of triggering negative reactions,” scientist Jelena Radulovic argues.