title: Neurohumoral brain dynamics of social group formation. Implications for autism.
abstract: Brains are dynamic systems in which learning tends towards isolation by increasing specialization of cognitive skills. Induction of social skills for cooperative behavior requires "unlearning" in social contexts. A hypothesis is proposed by which oxytocin and related neuropeptides play a key role in meltdown of prior learning in preparation for new learning. This has implications for clinical management of disorders of the socialization processes in children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley 94720, USA.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008322:Mammals; D008959:Models, Neurological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000502:physiology; D012919:Social Behavior
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010121:Oxytocin