Psychiatria pre prax 4/2019
Oxytocin and borderline personality disorder
Many symptoms of patients with BPD involve deficits in socio-emotional functioning, such as hypersensitivity for social threats and reduced trust. Despite the complexity and chronicity of borderline personality disorder (BPD) standard medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers) have only limited benefit. The aim of this work is to provide the review of literature in relation to the role of OXT in patophysiology and potential treatment of the BPD. Oxytocin (OXT), which is generally known as prosocial hormon, may be a prominent modulator of socio-emotional functions. In the last decade scientists have developed interest in OXT as a possible modulator in BPD. Many patients with BPD report experiences of childhood maltreatment and neglect, insecure attachment is a common finding in these patients. These factors may have lasting effects on the brain, including the OXT system. BPD may be strongly related to dysregulations in the OXT system and OXT may have the potency to pharmacologically ameliorate symptomatology of BPD.
Keywords: personality disorder, borderline, oxytocin, interpersonal dysfunction, therapy
