Oxytocin can improve your interpersonal relationships.

It is a hormone released by the hypothalamus during breastfeeding, and is linked to sex and social relationships. In addition to altering an individual's behavior, it has the capacity to create various physiological and emotional effects. An individual's personality usually remains stable, but research by Concordia University (Canada) was conducted to verify whether oxytocin can change personality traits.

The study will be published in early 2012 in the journal Psychopharmacology. The research involved 100 people, men and women, aged between 18 and 35, who were not taking any medication, did not suffer from mental disorders, and did not smoke. All of them were given a synthetic version of oxytocin nasal spray. Ninety minutes after inhaling the substance, they answered a questionnaire explaining how they felt, evaluating: extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to new experiences. All individuals were more confident and altruistic.

The study showed that it can change people's social reactions, adding more warmth, confidence, altruism, and an open-mindedness to their personality traits. However, Christopher Cardoso, director of the Concordia University team, clarifies that this does not mean that oxytocin is a magic potion for the shy, or at least it is still far from widespread use to solve individuals' shyness.

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