Oxytocin nasal spray tested for anorexia

Conclusion The study found that oxytocin nasal spray may reduce the short term attention to food and body shape images in women with anorexia. This study was a small study including 31 South Korean women being treated for anorexia. While it showed some potential effect on the women’s attention to food and negative body shape images in the very short term, it is not clear whether this would result in an alleviation of their anorexia symptoms. Oxytocin did not have an impact the women’s consumption of a fruit juice at the end of a study, so any potential to affect (either in a negative or positive way) eating behaviour in these women remains unproven. The small size and very select sample used in the study (women from one centre in South Korea) means the results may not be representative of the wider population with anorexia, particularly in other countries. Risk factors for anorexia are thought to be highly culturally specific and may vary from country to country. Also, the study carried out multiple statistical tests, and this may mean that some are likely to find significant effects by chance. This study presents far from convincing evidence that oxytocin could offer a treatment or “cure” from anorexia as implied by the headlines. The current evidence suggests that the most effective treatments are talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medication Mental health Neurology Source Type: news