Oxytocin, known as the 'love hormone', is a hormone that is released in mothers' bodies during childbirth. Research has shown that when people are exposed to it by means of a nasal spray they can become better at recognising the emotions of others, and are more likely to perceive others as trustworthy and approachable. As a result of its apparently positive influence on sociability, there is optimism that it could help to treat conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Oxytocin sprays are readily available online, and are being used by parents to treat children with autism. Although clinical trials are now under way, the use of oxytocin as a treatment has not yet been approved. So parents of children with autism are damaging their children's health by using the sprays.