Intranasal Oxytocin Enhances Attention to the Mouth Region of Faces in Male Participants, Particularly Among Those with Depressive Symptoms

Relative to placebo, intranasal oxytocin increased dwell time to the mouth region of faces in male but not female participants. It also increased dwell time to the mouth region of surprised faces in depressed males. These results suggest a sensitivity to oxytocin in males, particularly those at risk for depression.