Your Brain On Love | Better | NBC News

Summary

This video explores the neurological effects of falling in love, highlighting a 2005 study that used functional MRI to show brain activity in reward regions when viewing a romantic partner. It explains the surge of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which causes euphoria, and cortisol, which tries to regulate the physical changes. The video notes that while initial love's intensity may be overwhelming, it typically stabilizes within a year or two, transitioning from a passionate to a companionate form of love, regulated by neurotransmitters like oxytocin and vasopressin.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Falling in love triggers significant brain activity, particularly in regions associated with the reward system.
• ❤️ Neurotransmitters like dopamine flood the brain during love, creating a euphoric feeling similar to drug effects.
• 💓 The physical changes of love, such as a racing heart, are managed by the body's release of cortisol to regulate these responses.
• 🔄 Increased cortisol levels lead to a decrease in serotonin, affecting mood, appetite, sleep, and more.
• 🤔 Early love's intense emotions and physical changes are challenging for the body but are temporary.
• 🕒 The intense feelings of early love typically stabilize within one to two years, shifting to a more companionate love.
• 🔄 The love experience evolves from the influence of dopamine and cortisol to other neurotransmitters like oxytocin.
• 💞 Oxytocin, released during intimacy, helps couples feel closer and fosters bonding.
• 🔗 The hormone vasopressin increases attachment and supports the formation of monogamous relationships.
• 🌟 The transition from passionate to companionate love is a natural progression as the brain's chemistry adjusts.

Q & A

What is the first study mentioned in the script that analyzed the brains of people in love?

The first study mentioned in the script is a 2005 study that analyzed functional MRI images of the brains of people in love when looking at their romantic partners.

What happens in the brain when a person falls in love according to the script?

When a person falls in love, their brain lights up in regions associated with the reward center due to the release of several neurotransmitters related to the reward system.

Which neurotransmitter is associated with the euphoric feeling during early stages of love, and how does it compare to the effects of drugs?

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with the euphoric feeling during early stages of love. It activates a euphoria similar to what's produced by drugs like cocaine.

What is the role of cortisol in the body during the heightened emotions of early love?

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is sent out by the body to try to regulate the physical changes such as racing heart and increased blood pressure that accompany the heightened emotions of early love.

How does an increase in cortisol levels affect serotonin levels in the context of love?

An increase in cortisol levels triggers a drop in the amount of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood, appetite, sleep, attention, judgment, and more.

What are some of the physical and emotional changes that occur during the early stages of love as described in the script?

During the early stages of love, there are obsessive thoughts, an inability to function as normal, a racing heart, increased blood pressure, and heightened emotions.

How long does it typically take for the 'heady cocktail' of neurotransmitters to level out after falling in love?

The script indicates that the heady cocktail of dopamine, cortisol, and low serotonin generally levels out and things return to normal within one or two years.

What happens to love after the initial excitement and 'heady cocktail' of neurotransmitters levels out?

After the initial excitement, love takes a different form regulated by other neurotransmitters like oxytocin, which is released during sex and helps couples feel closer, and increased levels of the hormone vasopressin, which boosts attachment and helps form a monogamous bond.

What role does oxytocin play in the context of romantic love as per the script?

Oxytocin, released during sex, helps couples feel closer and is part of the transition from the excitement of early romantic love to a calmer companionate love.

How does vasopressin contribute to the formation of a monogamous bond according to the script?

Vasopressin boosts attachment and helps form a monogamous bond, contributing to the shift from the initial excitement of love to a more stable, long-term connection.

What is the significance of the transition from early romantic love to companionate love as described in the script?

The transition from early romantic love to companionate love signifies a shift from a period of intense emotions and physical changes to a more stable, long-term form of love that is maintained by different neurotransmitters and hormones.