Serum oxytocin and vasopressin levels in children with social anxiety disorder and the effects of parent characteristics

OBJECTIVES: We aim to determine serum oxytocin, vasopressin levels and examine parent characteristics in children diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD).

METHODS: Thirty four children diagnosed with SAD and 34 mothers were compared with a healthy control group (21 control children and their mothers) in this case–control study. Assessment performed via State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL90), Parental Attitude Research Instrument (PARI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised (SASC-R). Serum samples collected for detection of oxytocin and vasopressin levels.

RESULTS: The distribution range of vasopressin levels were found statistically higher in control group than SAD group (p = 0,002). Additionally results showed no statistically significant differences according to the mean levels of serum oxytocin and vasopressin between groups. The scores of STAI-C, SASC-R and democratic attitudes/egalitarianism subscales of PARI were found significantly higher in children with SAD. Similarly we reported that mean scores of SCL-90 scale, LSAS and SCL-90 subscales were higher in mothers of patients group.

CONCLUSIONS: Although significantly lower distribution range of vasopressin levels was found in SAD patients, mean oxytocin and vasopressin levels were not associated with SAD etiology. Additionally psychopathologies particularly anxious behaviour in mothers may contribute SAD development in early period of childhood.