An Investgation About the Relationship Between Vasopressin and Oxytocin

Abstract

Objective Functional neurogical symptom disorder (FNSD) is a somatic symptom disorder with loss of voluntary motor or sensory functions, which cannot be explained by another medical condition. The study aimed to examine the relationship of vasopressin and oxytocin in persistent type FNSD. Methods This study included 27 female patients between the ages of 20-57 who were diagnosed with FNSD according to DSM-5 and 27 healthy controls matched in terms of age and gender. Serum vasopressin and oxytocin levels were measured twice on the same day in fasting blood samples and the results were compared statistically. Results Vasopressin were lower in patients compared to controls while there was no difference between oxytocin levels. Childhood traumas were more common in patient group, and mean oxytocin level was lower in patients who exposed to childhood trauma, compared to controls. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of vasopressin. Conclusion Changes in vasopressin and oxytocin balance in the pathogenesis of persistant FNSD, may likely to lead to physiological and behavioral consequences. Lower oxytocin levels may also be a marker of exposure to childhood trauma in FNSD. These neuropeptides plays important role in neuroendocrine balance of emotional behavior. Psychiatry Investig 2021;18(10):1018-1024

C1 [Ornek, Bahar Yesil] Univ Hlth Sci, Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncol Res & Training Hos, Psychiat Dept, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Mah Vatan Cad 91, Ankara, Turkey.

[Cumurcu, Birgul Elbozan; Zayman, Esra Porgali] Inonu Univ, Med Fac, Psychiat Dept, Malatya, Turkey.