Therapeutic benefits of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorder – brief literature review

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core symptoms of impaired social behavior and communication, as well as repetitive and stereotyped behavior. ASD therapy can benefit from the use of oxytocin, which can have a positive impact on controlling some manifestations of the disorder. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the benefits of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorder, through bibliographical research carried out in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and ScienceDirect databases, through the use of appropriate descriptors and the selection of articles published among the years 2018 and 2022. 20 articles were selected to compose this work based on pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The information found in the current literature portrays the benefits of oxytocin in people diagnosed with ASD, especially with regard to social skills, which are greatly impaired in this disorder. The importance of new research that addresses the importance of oxytocin in the treatment of ASD is highlighted, given the complexity of this spectrum and future discoveries that will help maintain the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with this disorder.