If someone wanted to measure oxytocin levels during an ASMR experience, or compare oxytocin levels in individuals that do experience ASMR vs individuals that don’t experience ASMR – how would that be done?
There are two methods for directly measuring oxytocin.
The first method would be to measure the oxytocin in a person’s brain and spinal fluid. The upside of this method is that these levels are probably most accurate for any effects oxytocin may be having on behavior. The downside of this method, as you might have guessed, are the safety issues and expenses with doing this.
The second method would be to measure the oxytocin in a person’s blood. The upside of this second method is increased safety and decreased costs compared to trying to access someone’s brain and spinal fluid. The downside of this second method is that it is not known if the oxytocin measured in someone’s blood is an accurate reflection of the oxytocin in someone’s brain and spinal fluid.
A recent research study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has determined if blood levels of oxytocin are an accurate measurement of brain and spinal fluid levels of oxytocin.
The study also looked to see if the levels of oxytocin were associated with anxiety.
What did they find?
First, they determined that “yes” blood levels of oxytocin are a direct indicator of brain and spinal fluid levels of oxytocin. The blood levels were not the same levels as the brain and spinal fluid levels of oxytocin, they blood levels were lower – which makes sense because oxytocin is produced in the brain and “spills” into the blood.
Second, they showed that low levels of oxytocin were associated with anxiety. This supports the current understanding that oxytocin is very good at relaxing and calming the brain.
So how could all of this be helpful to understanding ASMR?
This study is supportive to researchers interested in drawing some scientific interpretations between blood oxytocin levels and the potential involvement of oxytocin in ASMR sensations.
This study also supports that if increased levels of oxytocin are seen in the blood around the time of ASMR, then oxytocin may be one of the important molecules that induce the relaxing and calming effects of ASMR.
In summary, this study supports that measuring blood levels of oxytocin may be a valuable flashlight to help peek into the current darkness of ASMR.
Click HERE to read a news summary of the research article (includes a link to the research article)
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