The Price of Pre-adolescent Abuse: Effects of Sexual Abuse on Perinatal Depression and Anxiety.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood abuse is a major public health concern and a risk factor for subsequent poor maternal mental health. This study of 176 racially diverse women explored the associations between the histories of childhood sexual abuse and depression and anxiety during pregnancy, at six weeks postpartum, and 12 weeks postpartum. METHODS: Data on depressive and anxiety symptoms were gathered during pregnancy, at six weeks postpartum, and 12 weeks postpartum. Sociodemographic data were collected during pregnancy, while data on childhood sexual abuse were gathered during the 12-week postpartum period. Bivariate analyses and repeated mixed-effects linear regression with bootstrapping were used to assess the association between childhood sexual abuse and perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Childhood sexual abuse was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (ß = 2.52, 95% CI 1.72, 3.32, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (ß = 4.44, 95% CI 3.70, 5.81, p < .001) over time, while controlling for demographic characteristics and lifetime major depression and anxiety. Depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased over the perinatal period and were highest during pregnancy. Black women were more likely to report higher depressive symptoms (ß = 1.35, 95% CI 0.51, 2.19, p = .002) and anxiety symptoms (ß = 3.29 95% CI 1.72, 4.87, p < .001) over time compared to White women. DISCUSSION: The results highlight the importance of assessing the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse on perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms to help inform the development of interventions for women, particularly Black women.

A Preliminary, Open-Label Study of Naltrexone and Bupropion Combination Therapy for Treating Binge Drinking in Human Subjects.

AIMS: The combination of bupropion and naltrexone has shown efficacy in reducing binge drinking in animal models. This study assessed the tolerability and potential utility of combined naltrexone and bupropion in reducing binge drinking in human subjects. METHODS: This preliminary study employed an open-label, single-arm, 12-week, prospective design. Twelve men and women who exhibited a minimum of five (men) or three (women) binge drinking episodes per month over the past 3 months were recruited. All subjects received both bupropion-extended release 300 mg/day and naltrexone 50 mg/day and were monitored throughout the 3-month treatment period. Binge drinking was assessed using the timeline follow-back method. RESULTS: Treatment with combined naltrexone and bupropion reduced the average number of drinks per binge drinking day from 7.8 drinks to 6.4 drinks and reduced the average percentage of binge drinking days per month from 19% (5.7 days/month) to 5% (1.5 days/month). Naltrexone and bupropion were generally well tolerated, with insomnia, headache and nausea/diarrhea being the most common side effects. Six subjects elected to stay on medication after the trial. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that combined naltrexone and bupropion therapy should be further investigated for tolerability and efficacy in reducing binge drinking in humans.

Exploring associations between perinatal depression, anxiety, and urinary oxytocin levels in Latinas.

Perinatal depression has been associated with lower oxytocin (OT) levels. However, few studies have explored this topic in relation to Latinas who are at high risk of perinatal depression. The objective of this study was to explore these associations in Latinas. A total of 108 Latinas in the third trimester of pregnancy participated in the study. Depression and urinary OT levels were assessed in pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum. Nonparametric tests were implemented to test the proposed associations. Results revealed that 28% of the participants had probable depression in pregnancy, and 23% at 6 weeks postpartum. OT levels significantly decreased from prenatal to postpartum in the whole sample; however, participants with probable prenatal depression did not exhibit a significant change in OT levels. Participants who were depressed or anxious at 6 weeks postpartum exhibited persistently higher mean OT levels over time. A distinct pattern of higher levels of OT in depressed Latinas suggests that OT levels may be an important neuroendocrine factor contributing to depressive and anxious symptoms.

Active ghrelin and the postpartum.

Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs in 10-15 % of women. The appetite hormone ghrelin, which fluctuates during pregnancy, is associated with depression in nonpregnant samples. Here, we examine the association between PPD and active ghrelin from pregnancy to postpartum. We additionally examine whether ghrelin changes from pregnancy to postpartum and differs between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women. Sixty women who participated in a survey examining PPD and had information in regard to ghrelin concentrations were included in the study. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess symptoms of PPD. Raw ghrelin levels and ghrelin levels adjusted for creatinine were included as outcomes. Women screening positive for PPD at 12 weeks postpartum had higher pregnancy ghrelin concentrations. Ghrelin concentrations significantly decreased from pregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum and this change differed based on pregnancy depression status. Finally, ghrelin levels were lower in women who breastfed compared with women who were bottle-feeding. No significant findings remained once ghrelin levels were adjusted for creatinine. Although results do not suggest an association between PPD and ghrelin after adjusting for creatinine, future research should continue to explore this possibility extending further across the postpartum period with larger sample sizes.

The effect of intranasal oxytocin on neurocognition in people with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial.

Schizophrenia is characterized by persistent cognitive deficits that significantly impact functional outcomes. Despite the current available treatments, these deficits remain inadequately addressed, highlighting the need to explore the effect of more novel treatments on cognition. The current study examined the effect of intranasal oxytocin on cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia by utilizing data from a 12-week, randomized controlled trial. Sixty-seven participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to receive placebo or intranasal oxytocin. Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery at baseline and 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that intranasal oxytocin did not significantly improve cognition in people with schizophrenia compared to placebo. These findings suggest that oxytocin does not worsen or enhance cognition in people with schizophrenia. Yet, the current intervention did not standardize the timing of cognitive assessments relative to the timing of oxytocin administration, which may explain our findings. Future studies attempting to clarify this relationship would benefit from employing a more controlled approach to the timing of treatment and assessments.

Intranasal oxytocin blocks alcohol withdrawal in human subjects.

BACKGROUND: The neuropeptide, oxytocin (OT), has been reported to block tolerance formation to alcohol and decrease withdrawal symptoms in alcohol-dependent rodents. Numerous recent studies in human subjects indicate that OT administered by the intranasal route penetrates into and exerts effects within the brain. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, intranasal OT (24 IU/dose, N = 7) or placebo (N = 4) was given twice daily for 3 days in alcohol-dependent subjects admitted to a research unit for medical detoxification using Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) score-driven PRN administration of lorazepam. Subjects rated themselves on the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Checklist (AWSC) each time CIWA scores were obtained. Subjects also completed the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, an Alcohol Craving Visual Analog Scale (ACVAS) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) on inpatient days 2 and 3. RESULTS: All subjects had drunk heavily each day for at least 2 weeks prior to study and had previously experienced withdrawal upon stopping/decreasing alcohol consumption. OT was superior to placebo in reducing alcohol withdrawal as evidenced by: less total lorazepam required to complete detoxification (3.4 mg [4.7, SD] vs. 16.5 [4.4], p = 0.0015), lower mean CIWA scores on admission day 1 (4.3 [2.3] vs. 11.8 [0.4], p < 0.0001) and day 2 (3.4 [2.2] vs. 11.1 [3.6], p < 0.002), lower AWSC scores on days 1 and 2 (p < 0.02; p = 0.07), and lower ACVAS ratings (p = 0.01) and lower POMS Tension/Anxiety subscale scores on day 2 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first demonstration that OT treatment may block alcohol withdrawal in human subjects. Our results are consistent with previous findings in rodents that OT inhibits neuroadaptation to and withdrawal from alcohol. OT could have advantages over benzodiazepines in managing alcohol withdrawal because it may reverse rather than maintain sedative-hypnotic tolerance. It will be important to test whether OT treatment is effective in reducing drinking in alcohol-dependent outpatients.

Racial disparities and predictors of functioning in schizophrenia.

Black Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders at more than twice the rate of White individuals and experience significantly worse outcomes following diagnosis. Little research has examined specific factors that may contribute to worse functional outcomes among Black Americans diagnosed with schizophrenia. One approach to understanding why racial disparities emerge is to examine established predictors of functioning in this population: neurocognition, social cognition, and symptom severity. The present study aims to broaden existing literature on racial differences within these domains by (a) examining racial differences in functioning and these established predictors of functioning (i.e., neurocognition, social, and symptom severity) and (b) investigating whether cognition and symptom domains similarly predict functioning between Black and White Americans with schizophrenia. Sixty-six participants' baseline neurocognition, social cognition, symptom severity, and functioning were assessed. Black participants demonstrated lower neurocognition scores and higher levels of disorganized symptoms relative to White participants. No racial differences in functioning or social cognition were observed. Further, race did not moderate the relationship between any of these established predictors and functioning outcomes. The largely nonsignificant differences in known predictors of functioning highlight the need to explore further domains that may be more relevant for understanding racial disparities in schizophrenia. Considering that psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia spectrum disorders often focus on cognition, these results underscore the importance of identifying whether these domains or other treatment targets may be better in addressing racial disparities in functioning. Possible areas of exploration for future work (e.g., structural factors, racism-related stress) are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Associations between Self-Rated Health and Perinatal Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Latina Women.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine whether decreases in or consistently low preconception to pregnancy self-rated health (SRH) were associated with perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Latinas. METHODS: This is a secondary data analysis of 153 perinatal Latinas. Three groups were created to capture SRH from preconception to pregnancy: a decline in ratings, consistently low, and good+ (i.e., good, very good, or excellent). SRH was measured using two questions about their perceived physical health before and during pregnancy. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were assessed in the third trimester and six weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Life stressors were assessed in pregnancy using a modified version of the Life Experiences Survey. Linear regressions tested the associations. RESULTS: Women with consistently low (i.e., fair or poor) SRH reported significantly more prenatal depressive symptoms than women who reported consistently good+ SRH. Women who reported a decline in SRH to fair or poor reported more prenatal anxiety symptoms but decreased postpartum anxiety symptoms than women who reported consistently good+ ratings. Life stressors were positively associated with prenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare practitioners should assess changes in SRH ratings to identify risks for prenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Latinas, who have elevated rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to non-Hispanic White women. Policymakers should provide healthcare providers with mental health resources to support at-risk Latinas during the prenatal period.

Parental divorce in childhood is related to lower urinary oxytocin concentrations in adulthood.

Oxytocin has been shown to be important for social behavior and emotional attachments in early life and may also mediate effects of early experiences on social motivation in adulthood. In animal models, early maternal separation results in alterations in the oxytocin system, with effects on sexual, maternal, and stress reactivity behaviors in adulthood. Studies of children experiencing parental divorce find effects on mood disorders, substance abuse, and other behaviors in adulthood. Here, we examine the effect of divorce on adult urine oxytocin levels. To stimulate oxytocin release, participants, aged 18 to 62, were asked to complete a set of questionnaires on attachment style, parental history of divorce (age at parental divorce ranged from 0 to 20), and other measures. A sample of urine was then collected for the oxytocin assay. Urine oxytocin concentrations were substantially lower (p = .016) in subjects who experienced parental divorce (M = 3.70, Standard Error of the Mean = 0.73), compared to those who did not (M = 8.00, Standard Error of the Mean = 1.21), and correlated with responses on several attachment instruments. These results suggest that oxytocin levels are adversely affected by parental divorce in humans and may be related to attachment measures in adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Efficacy and tolerability of baclofen in a U.S. community population with alcohol use disorder: a dose-response, randomized, controlled trial.

Identification of new medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is important for improving treatment options. Baclofen, a GABAB agonist, has been identified as a potential pharmacotherapy for AUD. In a 16-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we investigated 30 and 90 mg/day of baclofen compared to placebo and examined effects of dose, sex, and level of pretreatment drinking. One hundred and twenty participants with DSM-IV alcohol dependence (age 46.1 (sd = 10.1) years, 51.7% male) were randomized after exclusion for unstable medical/psychiatric illness and/or dependence on drugs other than nicotine. Seventy-three participants completed the trial. A main effect of baclofen was found [%HDD (F(2,112) = 4.16, p = 0.018, d = 0.51 95%CI (0.06-0.95), 13.6 fewer HDD) and %ABST (F(2,112) = 3.68, p = 0.028, d = 0.49 95%CI (0.04-0.93), 12.9 more abstinent days)] and was driven by the 90 mg/day dose. A sex × dose interaction effect was present for both %HDD (F(2,110) = 5.48, p = 0.005) and %ABST (F(2,110) = 3.19, p = 0.045). Men showed a marginally positive effect for 90 mg/day compared to PBO (%HDD t(110) = 1.88, p = 0.063, d = 0.36 95%CI (-0.09-0.80), 15.8 fewer HDD days; %ABST t(110) = 1.68 (p = 0.096, d = 0.32 95%CI (-0.12-0.76), 15.7 more ABST)) with no effect for 30 mg/day. Women showed a positive effect for 30 mg/day (%HDD, t(110) = 3.19, p = 0.002, d = 0.61 95%CI (0.16-1.05), 26.3 fewer HDD days; %ABST t(110) = 2.73, p = 0.007, d = 0.52 95%CI (0.07-0.96), 25.4 more ABST days) with marginal effects for 90 mg/day on %ABST (p = 0.06) with drop-outs/dose reduction from sedative side-effects of 59% in women at 90 mg/day compared to 5% for men. These findings support the hypothesis that baclofen has efficacy in AUD and suggest that dose and sex be further explored as potential moderators of baclofen response and tolerability.

Obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviors in a sample of women with postpartum mood symptoms.

Postpartum psychiatric disorders are widely recognized by clinicians and researchers, yet while much attention has been paid to perinatal mood disorders, considerably less has been given to anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in this population. The present study examined anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms among postpartum women with mood complaints, with the aim of delineating the relationship between these symptoms. Sixty postpartum women seeking treatment in a perinatal mood disorders clinic completed measures of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Obsession-like thoughts and compulsive-like ("neutralizing") strategies were present among the majority of the sample, yet the severity of these symptoms ranged widely. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with obsessive and neutralizing compulsive symptoms. It may be helpful to consider anxiety and depressive symptoms as part of a broad spectrum of perinatal psychiatric illness. Clinicians should assess for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms as routinely as they assess for depressive symptoms in the perinatal period.

Effects of oxytocin on empathy, introspective accuracy, and social symptoms in schizophrenia: A 12-week twice-daily randomized controlled trial.

The effects of intranasal oxytocin, a neuropeptide involved in prosocial behavior and modulation of neural networks underlying social cognition and emotion regulation, have been studied in schizophrenia. We tested the hypothesis that twice-daily intranasal oxytocin administered for 12-weeks would improve tertiary and exploratory outcomes of self-reported social symptoms, empathy and introspective accuracy from the Jarskog et al. (2017) randomized controlled trial. Sixty-eight stable outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to receive oxytocin (24 IU twice daily) or placebo. Introspective accuracy was assessed with the Specific Level of Functioning Scale and the Interpersonal Perception Task. Empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and social symptoms were assessed with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and the Green et al. Paranoid Thoughts Scales. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, six, and twelve weeks. Results demonstrated limited effect of oxytocin with some improvement on the IRI Perspective-Taking Subscale. No additional between-group differences emerged on self-reported symptoms, empathy, or introspective accuracy.

Prosocial effects of an oxytocin metabolite, but not synthetic oxytocin receptor agonists, in a mouse model of autism.

Currently, there are no established pharmaceutical strategies that effectively treat social deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Oxytocin, a neurohormone that plays a role in multiple types of social behaviors, has been proposed as a possible therapeutic against social impairment and other symptoms in ASD. However, from the standpoint of pharmacotherapy, oxytocin has several liabilities as a standard clinical treatment, including rapid metabolism, low brain penetrance, and activity at the vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) receptors. The present studies describe findings from a preclinical screening program to evaluate oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonists and oxytocin metabolites for potential clinical use as more optimal treatments. We first investigated two synthetic oxytocin analogs, TC-OT-39 and carbetocin, using in vitro cell-based assays for pharmacological characterization and behavioral tests in the BALB/cByJ mouse model of ASD-like social deficits. Although both TC-OT-39 and carbetocin selectively activate the OXTR, neither synthetic agonist had prosocial efficacy in the BALB/cByJ model. We next evaluated two oxytocin metabolites: OT(4-9) and OT(5-9). While OT(5-9) failed to affect social deficits, the metabolite OT(4-9) led to significant social preference in the BALB/cByJ model, in a dose-dependent manner. The increased sociability was observed at both 24 h and 12 days following the end of a subchronic regimen with OT(4-9) (2.0 mg/kg). Overall, these results suggest that the prosocial effects of oxytocin could be mediated by downstream activity of oxytocin metabolites, raising the possibility of new pathways to target for drug discovery relevant to ASD.

The Hispanic Paradox: Socioeconomic Factors and Race/Ethnicity in Breastfeeding Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for both mother and infant. Previous studies have shown that Hispanic/Latina women have higher rates of breastfeeding and better health outcomes than non-Hispanic black (NHB) women of similar socioeconomic status. Our primary objective was to explore the association of race/ethnicity with breastfeeding rates and the impact of socioeconomic factors on initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a hypothesis-generating secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of perinatal mental health in a diverse sample of 213 mothers. Twenty-eight participants self-identified as non-Hispanic white, 43 as NHB, and 142 as Hispanic/Latina. We examined bivariate relationships and performed logistic regression analysis for a series of maternal, infant, and psychosocial factors to examine their individual effect on the breastfeeding and race/ethnicity relationship odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Hispanic/Latina women were more likely to initiate exclusive breastfeeding at delivery compared with NHB women (OR 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-4.9, p = 0.01). Adjustment for maternal, infant, and psychosocial factors measured did not statistically significantly attenuate the OR for initiation of breastfeeding between NHB and Hispanic/Latina women. Women with a history of sexual abuse were also more likely to initiate exclusive breastfeeding (67%) compared with women without a sexual abuse history (54%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this low socioeconomic status cohort study, Hispanic/Latina women had higher proportions of any amount of breastfeeding compared with their NHB counterparts. This difference was not attenuated by any of the maternal, infant, or psychosocial factors examined, although our secondary analysis of this prospective cohort was limited by the available covariates in the parent study.

Early Life Abuse Moderates the Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Preliminary Evidence From a Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Although intranasal oxytocin (OXT) has been proposed to be a promising treatment for some psychiatric disorders, little research has addressed individual difference factors that may predict response to OXT. One such factor is early life abuse (ELA), which has widespread influences on social-emotional processing and behavior. This single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial examined the role of ELA in shaping the effects of intranasal OXT (vs. placebo) on daily behavioral symptoms in women with three or more prospectively-diagnosed cycling symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Methods: Participants were ten women with PMDD (n = 8) or subthreshold PMDD (n = 2), who had experienced ELA prior to age 13 (n = 5) or no ELA (n = 5). They completed two study visits during the late luteal (premenstrual) phase: once following administration of intranasal OXT and once following intranasal placebo (counterbalanced). Participants then self-administered OXT or placebo at home three times per day for 5 days or until menstrual onset, and prospectively rated daily emotional symptoms of PMDD. Power was adequate to detect medium main and interactive effects. Results: Among women with ELA, intranasal OXT (vs. placebo) increased the premenstrual emotional symptoms of PMDD, whereas among women without ELA, OXT decreased symptoms. Conclusion: This study adds to a growing literature highlighting the importance of considering historical social contexts and traits (such as ELA) as moderators of therapeutic response to OXT.

Antenatal thyroid correlates of postpartum depression.

We previously found significantly higher T3-resin uptake and nearly significantly lower total thyroxine concentrations at 38 weeks of pregnancy in women with higher postpartum depression ratings. This study further examined the relationship between thyroid status during late pregnancy and antenatal and postpartum depression scores. Thyroid measures were obtained at 32-35, 36, and 37 weeks of pregnancy in 31 women with normal range thyroid hormone levels. Subjects rated their mood at these antenatal time points and every other week between postpartum weeks 2 and 24 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. Mean antenatal thyroxine concentrations and free thyroxine indices correlated significantly and negatively with mean depression scores during each of three postpartum time periods (postpartum weeks 2-6, 14-18, 20-24). Women with total and free thyroxine concentrations that were, respectively, <10.1 microg/dl and <1.06 ng/dl at all three antenatal time points had significantly higher mean depression scores during all postpartum time periods. The fraction of subjects with pregravid major or minor depression history that was in the low antenatal thyroid group was significantly higher than the fraction of subjects with negative history (5/6 vs. 7/25). Women with antenatal total and free thyroxine concentrations in the lower euthyroid range may be at greater risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms. Study of the relationships with antenatal thyroid status may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of perinatal mood disturbances.

Repeated long separations from pups produce depression-like behavior in rat mothers.

Long maternal (LMS) versus brief maternal (BMS) daily separations of rat pups from their mothers have contrasting effects on their adult stress responses and maternal behavior by, respectively, decreasing and increasing licking received from their mothers. We hypothesized that LMS decreases pup-licking in mothers by inducing learned helplessness, creating a depression-like state. We subjected postpartum rats to LMS (3 h), BMS (15 min) or no separation (NMS) on postpartum days 2-14. After weaning, mothers were given a forced swim test (FST). LMS mothers exhibited more immobility and fewer escape attempts than BMS or NMS mothers. These results suggest that LMS induces a depression-like state, which may account for the reductions in maternal behavior seen in LMS mothers. Immobility in the FST is recognized as an animal model of depression. Therefore, LMS may be a model of maternal depression.

Persistent alterations in biological profiles in women with abuse histories: influence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To examine dysregulation in biological measures associated with histories of abuse in women and whether women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) differ in their dysregulation. DESIGN: Twenty-five women meeting prospective criteria for PMDD and 42 non-PMDD controls underwent structured interview to determine abuse histories and lifetime Axis I diagnoses, excluding those with current Axis I disorders or using medications. MAJOR OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma cortisol and norepinephrine (NE), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and vascular resistance index (VRI) were assessed at rest and in response to mental stress. RESULTS: A greater proportion of PMDD women had prior abuse compared with non-PMDD women. Regardless of PMDD status, all abused women had lower plasma NE and higher HRs and tended to have lower plasma cortisol at rest and during stress. Abused women also reported more severe daily emotional and physical symptoms. Greater VRI and BP at rest and during stress were seen only in PMDD women with abuse. CONCLUSION: There is persistent dysregulation in stress-responsive systems in all abused women that cannot be accounted for by current psychiatric illness or medications, and PMDD women may be differentially more vulnerable to the impact of abuse on measures reflecting alpha-adrenergic receptor function.

Emotional distress in African American women with HIV.

This study identified factors associated with emotional distress in 109 African American women with HIV. The relationship of personal factors (demographic, social conflict, social support, and spirituality), health-related factors (perception of health, physical and mental health problems, and years diagnosed), and cognitive/coping responses (stigma, worry, and emotion focused coping) on depressive symptoms and mood state was examined. Younger age, more social conflict, less social support, lower perception of health, and more HIV worry were associated with higher depressive symptom scores. Variables most often affecting various mood states included personal factors (public housing, unemployment, and social conflict) and worry about having HIV worry.

Oxytocin, Tolerance, and the Dark Side of Addiction.

Substance use disorders blight the lives of millions of people and inflict a heavy financial burden on society. There is a compelling need for new pharmacological treatments as current drugs have limited efficacy and other major drawbacks. A substantial number of animal and recent clinical studies indicate that the neuropeptide, oxytocin, is a particularly promising therapeutic agent for human addictions, especially alcohol use disorders. In preliminary trials, we found that oxytocin administered by the intranasal route, which produces some neuropeptide penetration into the CNS, potently blocked withdrawal and reduced alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers. A considerable body of earlier animal studies demonstrated that oxytocin inhibits tolerance to alcohol, opioids, and stimulants as well as withdrawal from alcohol and opioids. Based on these preclinical findings and our clinical results, we hypothesize that oxytocin may exert therapeutic effects in substance dependence by the novel mechanism of diminishing established tolerance. A newer wave of studies has almost unanimously found that oxytocin decreases self-administration of a number of addictive substances in several animal models of addiction. Reduction of established tolerance should be included among the potential explanations of oxytocin effects in these studies and changes in tolerance should be examined in future studies in relationship to oxytocin influences on acquisition and reinstatement of self-administration as well as extinction of drug seeking. Oxytocin efficacy in reducing anxiety and stress responses as well as established tolerance suggests it may be uniquely effective in reducing negative reinforcement (Koob's "dark side" of addiction) that maintains chronic substance use.