Results showed no significant effects on core symptomatology .
In conclusion , up to date , evidence regarding the potential utility of IN-OT in treating anxiety and depression is still inconclusive .
Several studies have demonstrated the neuromodulating function of oxytocin ( OT ) in response to anxiogenic stimuli as well as its potential role in the pathogenesis of depression .
Consequently , intranasal OT ( IN-OT ) has been proposed as a potential treatment of  anxiety and depressive disorders .
The present systematic review aim ed to summarize the r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) evaluating the effect of IN-OT on anxiety and depressive symptoms .
Intranasal Oxytocin Improves Emotion Recognition for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders
BACKGROUND A diagnostic hallmark of autism spectrum disorders is a qualitative impairment in social communication and interaction . Deficits in the ability to recognize the emotions of others are believed to contribute to this . There is currently no effective treatment for these problems . METHODS In a double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled , crossover design , we administered oxytocin nasal spray ( 18 or 24 IU ) or a placebo to 16 male youth aged 12 to 19 who were diagnosed with Autistic or Asperger 's Disorder . Participants then completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task , a widely used and reliable test of emotion recognition . RESULTS In comparison with placebo , oxytocin administration improved performance on the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task . This effect was also shown when analysis was restricted to the younger participants aged 12 to 15 who received the lower dose . CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that oxytocin nasal spray improves emotion recognition in young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders . Findings suggest the potential of earlier intervention and further evaluation of oxytocin nasal spray as a treatment to improve social communication and interaction in young people with autism spectrum disorders
Results showed no significant effects on core symptomatology .
In conclusion , up to date , evidence regarding the potential utility of IN-OT in treating anxiety and depression is still inconclusive .
Several studies have demonstrated the neuromodulating function of oxytocin ( OT ) in response to anxiogenic stimuli as well as its potential role in the pathogenesis of depression .
Consequently , intranasal OT ( IN-OT ) has been proposed as a potential treatment of  anxiety and depressive disorders .
The present systematic review aim ed to summarize the r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) evaluating the effect of IN-OT on anxiety and depressive symptoms .