Au-delà du mythe, quelle est l’influence réelle de l’ocytocine ? Approche critique des effets affectifs, comportementaux et cognitifs de l’administration intranasale d’ocytocine chez l’humain

The neurohormone (OT) has been one of the most studied peptide in behavioral neuroscience over the past two decades. Many studies have suggested that intranasal administration of OT produces effects on human’s affects, behaviors and cognition. This rapidly growing literature contributed to OT’s reputation as a powerful social potion. But is this reputation deserved? Is the literature valid? What is the real impact of intranasal OT? This thesis proposes a critical approach of the literature, sustained by our own experiences in order to answer these questions. If we cannot make a formal stand regarding its real impact, as the literature suffers from a publication bias, this critical approach allowed us to challenge its reputation and provides an innovative lighting for a better understanding of this hormone’s effects.