Oxytocin is a hormone and neuro-peptide that has been getting a lot of attention as it appears to have very imprortant benefits for human social behaviour. It has been shown to increase gaze to the eye-region of human faces, emotion perception, trust and the recognition and encoding of positive social cues. This research has led to claims it may have a role in the treatment of disorders characterized by social difficulties, such as Autism, Aspergers, and Social Anxiety Disorder, as well as for couples who need to improve their commuication patterns. The BMRI currently has a number of trials evaluating potential benefits of oxytocin for such problems.

Autism and ASD

www.bmri.org.au/cares.html

If you are a male with a diagnosis of high-functioning Autism or Aspergers, or have a male child aged above 12 with such diagnosis, we would value your assistance in participating in this research. Down the track we are hopeful that oxytocin may provide a treatment to improve social functioning.

At present, we are trialling oxytocin for people who have a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism or Aspergers, with future trials examining benefits for other populations. This research is conducted as part of BMRI Autism Cares. The lead psychiatrist of this organization, Profesor Stewart Einfeld, is internationally recognised for his research, assessment techniques, and treatments for Autism.

Contact via e-mail: autismcares@med.usyd.edu.au

Social Anxiety: Please refer to our other research as explained by DCS. We also have oxytocin trials of similar style.

Contact: anxietyclinic@med.usyd.edu.au or aguastella@med.usyd.edu.au