Your Brain On Love | Better | NBC News

NBC News

13 Feb 201802:16

Summary

TLDRThis 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.

Outlines

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💖 The Neurochemistry of Falling in Love

This paragraph delves into the unique experience of falling in love and its impact on the brain. A 2005 study using functional MRI scans revealed that the brains of individuals in love show heightened activity in reward-related regions when viewing images of their romantic partners. This neural response is attributed to a surge of neurotransmitters associated with the brain's reward system, including dopamine, which is known as the 'feel-good' chemical and can induce euphoria akin to that of cocaine. The body's reaction to these intense emotions includes a racing heart and increased blood pressure, prompting the release of cortisol to regulate these physiological changes. However, elevated cortisol levels can lead to a decrease in serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood, appetite, sleep, and cognitive functions. The paragraph suggests that while the early stages of love can be overwhelming, the levels of these chemicals typically stabilize over one to two years, leading to a transition from passionate to companionate love. This shift is regulated by other neurotransmitters like oxytocin, which promotes bonding and closeness, and vasopressin, which enhances attachment and supports monogamous relationships.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Falling in love

Falling in love is a profound emotional experience characterized by intense feelings and physical reactions. In the context of the video, it is described as a state that significantly alters brain activity, particularly in regions associated with reward. The video script uses the phrase 'falling in love' to illustrate the powerful impact of romantic love on the brain, as seen in the activation of reward centers when individuals look at their partners.

💡Functional MRI

Functional MRI, or fMRI, is a neuroimaging procedure that measures and maps the brain's activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. The video script references a 2005 study that used fMRI to analyze the brains of people in love, marking a significant advancement in understanding the neural correlates of romantic love.

💡Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. The script explains that several neurotransmitters related to the reward system are activated when people fall in love, leading to heightened emotions and physical sensations. Dopamine, in particular, is highlighted as the 'feel-good' chemical that contributes to the euphoria of being in love.

💡Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the brain's reward and pleasure centers. The video script describes how high levels of dopamine are released during the early stages of love, leading to a euphoric state similar to that induced by drugs like cocaine. This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in the intense emotions experienced in the early stages of romantic love.

💡Cortisol

Cortisol, often referred to as the 'stress hormone,' is produced in response to stress and helps regulate various bodily processes. In the video, it is mentioned that as emotions run high during the early stages of love, cortisol is released to try to regulate the accompanying physical changes such as a racing heart and increased blood pressure.

💡Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood regulation, appetite, sleep, and cognitive functions. The script explains that as cortisol levels increase due to the stress of new love, there is a corresponding drop in serotonin levels, which can lead to obsessive thoughts and changes in mood and behavior, typical of the early stages of romantic love.

💡Oxytocin

Oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone' or 'cuddle hormone,' is released during sexual activity and helps to strengthen emotional bonds between partners. The video script suggests that as the initial intensity of romantic love subsides, oxytocin helps to maintain a close and affectionate connection between couples.

💡Vasopressin

Vasopressin is a hormone that, when increased, can enhance feelings of attachment and promote the formation of monogamous bonds. The video script implies that vasopressin plays a role in the transition from the excitement of early romantic love to a more stable, companionate love over time.

💡Reward center

The reward center is a region in the brain associated with the experience of pleasure and reward. The video script describes how the brains of people in love 'light up' in these regions when they look at their partners, indicating a strong neurological basis for the pleasurable feelings experienced in romantic love.

💡Euphoria

Euphoria is a state of intense happiness, excitement, or well-being. The video script uses the term to describe the emotional state induced by the flood of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, during the early stages of love, comparing it to the effects of certain drugs.

💡Companionate love

Companionate love refers to a deep affection and attachment that develops over time in a relationship, often characterized by emotional intimacy, trust, and mutual support. The video script suggests that the intense feelings of early love eventually give way to a more stable and enduring form of love, which is likely regulated by different neurotransmitters and hormones.

Highlights

Falling in love is a unique experience that alters emotions and physical states.

A 2005 study analyzed brain activity in love using functional MRI images.

Lovers' brains light up in reward center regions when viewing their partners.

Neurotransmitters flood the brain during love, affecting the reward system.

Dopamine, the feel-good chemical, is released in high levels during love, causing euphoria.

The body's response to heightened emotions includes a racing heart and increased blood pressure.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is released to regulate the physical changes of love.

Serotonin levels drop as cortisol levels increase, affecting mood and various functions.

Early love is characterized by obsessive thoughts and an altered ability to function normally.

The intense feelings of early love typically stabilize within one to two years.

Love doesn't fade; it transforms into a more stable companionate love over time.

Oxytocin, released during sex, helps couples feel closer.

Vasopressin boosts attachment and aids in forming monogamous bonds.

The excitement of early romantic love often evolves into a calmer, long-term love.

The study provides insights into the neurochemical changes that accompany romantic love.

The transformation of love from a passionate to a companionate form is a natural progression.