Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how people handle emotions and relationships. Scientists are now studying how oxytocin, a hormone often called the "love hormone," might play a role in the challenges people with BPD face. Oxytocin helps people bond with others, manage stress, and feel safe in relationships. For those with BPD, this system doesn’t seem to work the same way, and understanding why can help improve support and care.
What Does the Research Say?
- Low Oxytocin Levels in BPD
Research shows that people with BPD often have lower oxytocin levels than others. Since oxytocin helps people trust and connect with others, low levels might explain why people with BPD often struggle with close relationships and feel unsafe around others. - Childhood Trauma Changes Oxytocin Systems
Many people with BPD have faced trauma, like neglect or abuse, in childhood. This kind of trauma can change how oxytocin works in the brain. Instead of helping with stress and connection, oxytocin might not work as well, making it harder for these individuals to feel calm or trust others. - Seeing Social Situations as Threats
For most people, oxytocin reduces feelings of fear in social situations, making it easier to feel safe and connected. But in people with BPD, this process might work differently. They may feel threatened or unsafe even in neutral or friendly situations. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships. - The Role of Genetics
Certain genetic traits can also affect how oxytocin works. Scientists have found changes in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) in people with BPD. These changes can make it harder for them to handle emotions or read social cues, adding to their struggles with relationships. - Gender Differences in Oxytocin Effects
Men and women with BPD might respond differently to oxytocin because of biological and social differences. For example, women might experience stronger emotional effects. These differences are important for developing tailored treatments in the future.
Can Oxytocin Help Treat BPD?
- Mixed Results from Oxytocin Treatments
Some studies have tested oxytocin as a treatment for BPD, with mixed results. In some cases, oxytocin helps reduce stress and improve emotional control. But in others, it seems to make social anxiety worse or increase feelings of mistrust. This shows that oxytocin treatments might work for some people but not for others. - Need for Personalized Treatments
Because oxytocin affects everyone differently, treatments need to be customized. In the future, combining oxytocin-based treatments with therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) could provide better results. Scientists are still studying how to make these treatments more reliable.
What Does This Mean for People with BPD and Their Families?
Even though this research is still developing, it provides important insights. Understanding how oxytocin works in BPD can help people with the condition and their loved ones approach their challenges with more empathy and knowledge.
- Trauma Matters
Many difficulties in BPD are rooted in early life experiences. Knowing that childhood trauma can change how the brain works helps explain why certain emotions or relationships are so hard for people with BPD. - Social Situations Can Feel Unsafe
Loved ones should understand that people with BPD often feel threatened or overwhelmed in social settings, even when nothing seems wrong. This isn’t a choice—it’s how their brain processes these situations. - Staying Informed
As new treatments and research emerge, it’s important to stay informed. Therapies targeting oxytocin might become more effective as we learn more about how this hormone works in BPD.
Looking Ahead
This research on oxytocin helps us understand the deeper causes of BPD and opens the door to better treatments. While there is no simple solution yet, the findings give hope for more targeted and effective care in the future.
For people with BPD and their loved ones, knowing that biology and past experiences play a role can bring clarity and compassion. By focusing on these insights, we can work toward better support and understanding for those living with this challenging condition.
E. di Giacomo et al., The interplay between borderline personality disorder and oxytocin: a systematic narrative review on possible contribution and treatment options, REVIEW article, Front. Psychiatry, 23 July 2024
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1439615/full
