This model is based on several lines of evidence in the literature: 1) self-grooming (both spontaneous and stress-elicited) induces transient dopamine release into the NAc46, 2) the VTA→NAc pathway is implicated in regulating depression-like behaviors58–60, 3) OT D3 neurons are local interneurons and provide direct inhibition onto OT D1/D2 SPNs43, and 4) OT SPNs project directly to VTA61. Here, OXT is linked to depressive symptom measurement.