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 .
A randomized controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin as an adjunct to exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder
In humans , oxytocin nasal administration reduces social-threat perception and improves processes involved in communication and the encoding of positive social cues . The aim of this study was to determine whether oxytocin given as an adjunct to exposure therapy improves treatment for  social anxiety disorder ( SAD ) as indicated by a comprehensive set of symptom outcome measures . In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial , we administered 24 IU of oxytocin or a placebo in combination with exposure therapy to twenty-five participants who met primary diagnosis for SAD . Participants administered with oxytocin showed improved positive evaluations of appearance and speech performance as exposure treatment sessions progressed . These effects did not generalize to improve overall treatment outcome from exposure therapy . Participants who received oxytocin or placebo reported similar levels of symptom reduction following treatment across symptom severity , dysfunctional cognition , and life-impairment measures . This study shows that the administration of oxytocin improves mental representations of self , following exposure therapy . These effects may be either short term or situation specific . Future research is now needed to determine whether oxytocin can enhance treatment outcomes for SAD when used with greater frequency , with a wider variety of social learning experiences , and in conjunction with interventions that more specifically target change in broader dysfunctional cognitions
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 .