'Cuddle hormone' breakthrough

A CHEMICAL released in the brain during sex could be turned into a drug to treat post-natal depression.

Scientists have found pregnant women with low levels of oxytocin - dubbed the "cuddle hormone" because of its importance in social bonding - are more prone to the mental illness.

Post-natal depression affects up to one in five new mothers, but little is known about its causes.

Psychologist Dr Gunther Meinlschmidt, of Basel University in Switzerland, tested the link between symptoms of the disorder and oxytocin which is involved in adjustment to pregnancy, breast milk production and mother-infant bonding.