Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in
the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary. The reproductive
effects are well understood but recent interest has been in the prosocial
arena, in brain plasticity and in its effects on anxiety and feeding. These
provide a basis for some novel therapeutic applications in autistic spectrum
disorders, schizophrenia, Prader Willi syndrome and eating disorders-in
particular anorexia nervosa. Research in the use of oxytocin in these medical psychiatry diagnostic groups
will be discussed.