Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that is synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream through the central and peripheral nervous systems.11 Oxytocin is naturally released during skin-to-skin contact, massage, and lactation, and this has been reported to improve mood, decrease anxiety, and buffer self-report and physiological indicators of stress.12,13 Evidence suggests that oxytocin plays a role in the experience of pain. The gene discussed is OXT; the disease is Anxiety.