`Love hormone' linked to fear factor

Love and trust really can conquer fear and anxiety.

Scientists have long been intrigued by the hormone oxytocin, which plays a role in complex social behaviour. The hormone is part of a system in the brain that controls the formation of emotional bonds, and plays a role during sex, childbirth and breastfeeding.

Now, scientists at the National Institutes for Health and Justus-Liebig University in Germany have discovered that oxytocin, which some have dubbed the hormone of love, can make volunteers less fearful.

`Love hormone' linked to fear factor