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Neuropeptides

What are neuropeptides in PTSD?

Neuropeptides are a class of molecules that can modulate the activity of neurotransmitters to increase or decrease the strength of synaptic signalling. Different neuropeptides are involved in different brain functions such as reward, food intake, metabolism, reproduction, social behaviours, and learning. Peripherally, they function like peptide hormones and modulate many bodily functions.

What is the evidence for neuropeptides in people with PTSD?

Moderate quality evidence found a large effect of lower neuropeptide Y levels in people with PTSD compared to controls without PTSD. This effect was also found in non-medicated samples.

High quality evidence found no significant differences in oxytocin levels between people with PTSD and controls.

August 2021

Image: ©Luka Čulig – stock.adobe.com

Last updated at: 1:39 pm, 16th January 2022
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary
Tags:  Neuropeptides Oxytocin

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