05/17/2025
Early oxytocin deprivation due to poor or disrupted maternal bonding can lead to underdeveloped social reward systems. As a result, individuals may become more reliant on dopamine-driven sources of gratification, increasing the risk for addictive and compulsive behaviours later in life, and disorders such as ADHD and BPD.
To target ADHD, BPD and Addiction issues, effective therapy often needs to help clients make the link between current struggles and bonding deprivations in early relationships. Therapy needs to provide a corrective emotional experience for the early traumatized parts of the self rocking around under the dopamine seeking behaviours that are only the tip of the iceberg of the unresolved developmental trauma that lurks in the Unconscious.
A lack of bonding—especially early in life—can significantly influence the development of dopamine-seeking behaviours, and oxytocin deprivation is likely a key mechanism in this process. Here's how the connection works: 1. Oxytocin and Maternal Bonding: Oxytocin is a neuropeptide heavily involved in attachment, trust, social bonding, and stress regulation.Early maternal bonding (e.g., through physical contact, eye contact, and nurturing) stimulates oxytocin release in both the mother and infant.Consistent oxytocin signalling helps develop healthy emotional regulation systems, particularly in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex. 2. If Bonding is Absent or Disrupted A child who experiences neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or early trauma may have blunted oxytocin signalling. This dysregulation can impair the development of secure attachment, emotion regulation, and the ability to experience natural rewards from social relationships. 3. Compensatory Dopamine-Seeking Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and novelty-seeking. If oxytocin-based social rewards are insufficient, the brain may shift toward external sources of stimulation—such as food, risky behavior, substance use, s*x, or digital stimulation—to compensate for the emotional void. This leads to a heightened sensitivity to dopaminergic rewards and a tendency toward addictive or compulsive behaviors. Supporting Evidence: Animal studies show that rat pups separated from their mothers exhibit long-term changes in dopamine and oxytocin systems, becoming more anxious and novelty-seeking. Human research links early neglect or attachment trauma with increased risk for substance use disorders, impulsivity, and borderline personality traits, all of which are tied to dysregulated dopamine systems. Oxytocin administration in some studies appears to reduce craving and improve empathy and trust, supporting the idea of a biological link between oxytocin deficiency and maladaptive reward seeking.
