Lien YJ, et al. - Researchers undertook this investigation to study the plasma oxytocin levels in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar II disorders (BD II) patients in a depressive episode. Both before and after treatment, they suggested more significant plasma oxytocin dysregulation in the patients in the BD II group than in the MDD patients and controls.

Methods

• For the purpose of this study, 119 healthy controls, 135 BD II patients, and 97 MDD patients were enlisted.  

Results

• Researchers reported that all of the BD II and MDD patients were drug-naïve, with baseline depressive status 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores >15.
• They observed that the plasma oxytocin level of the BD II patients was significantly higher than that of the MDD patients and controls at baseline.
• The plasma oxytocin level of the BD II patients increased significantly after treatment.
• However, in the MDD group, the oxytocin level diminished slightly after treatment.