A narrative exploration of oxytocin and anxiety in autism spectrum disorder.

This review looked at how a hormone called oxytocin might help reduce anxiety in autistic people. Research shows that autistic individuals often have differences in oxytocin levels and genes that might increase anxiety. Some studies suggest giving oxytocin as treatment could help with anxiety and social skills, but results vary between people. The researchers say we need more personalized treatments that consider each person's unique biology.

This narrative review examines oxytocin's role in anxiety regulation within autism spectrum disorder, synthesizing two decades of preclinical, genetic, and clinical research. The analysis reveals that oxytocin dysregulation and receptor gene variations contribute to heightened anxiety and social impairments in autism. Evidence from animal models and human studies suggests exogenous oxytocin can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve social behaviors, though outcomes vary based on genetic background, developmental stage, and study methodology. The review identifies clinical heterogeneity, short trial durations, and delivery system limitations as major translation barriers.

Authors emphasize the need for personalized approaches incorporating biomarker identification, genotype-specific targeting, and optimized delivery methods for therapeutic success.

While oxytocin shows promise for anxiety treatment in autism, clinical utility requires personalized approaches with biomarker identification and genotype-specific targeting. Current evidence suggests variable outcomes, indicating need for individualized treatment protocols rather than universal oxytocin interventions.

Clinical heterogeneity, short trial durations, and delivery system limitations pose major obstacles to therapeutic translation. The review methodology and specific inclusion criteria are not clearly described in the abstract.

This review aims to critically examine the role of oxytocin in modulating anxiety within autism spectrum disorder by integrating molecular insights with clinical observations. A qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken, drawing on preclinical studies, genetic findings, and clinical trials published over the past two decades, with particular focus on oxytocin signalling pathways, receptor polymorphisms, and therapeutic applications. The analysis highlights that dysregulation of oxytocin levels, together with variations in the oxytocin receptor gene, contribute to heightened anxiety and social impairments in autism. Evidence from animal models and human studies indicates that exogenous oxytocin can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve social behaviours, though outcomes vary depending on genetic background, developmental stage, and methodological design.

The review identifies heterogeneity in clinical phenotypes, short trial durations, and limitations in delivery systems as major obstacles to therapeutic translation. Taken together, the synthesis underscores the need for personalized approaches that combine biomarker identification, genotype-specific targeting, and optimized delivery methods. The central message is that while oxytocin holds promise as an anxiolytic agent in autism, its clinical utility depends on a rigorous translational framework that accounts for biological diversity and evidential sufficiency.