Lovesickness might be just that, experts warn

The concept of lovesickness might be more than just a flighty poetic notion, as it can burden the afflicted with genuine mental trauma, a British psychological study warned.

In the most serious cases the “disease” can prove fatal, the researchers said, calling for lovesickness to be taken more seriously by the medical profession.

For many centuries, the manias, depressions and obsessions associated with romantic love were considered a genuine state of mind rather than an affectation, clinical psychologist and author Dr Frank Tallis said.

Although many researchers may scoff at the idea of ‘lovesickness,’ I think it’s real given both my own personal experiences and those of others I know. I think that in some cases, it may really benefit from treatment — if it goes on for years, for instance. But mostly, this is a normal reaction to being in love or losing love (which, in itself, is a very powerful emotion).

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 8 Feb 2005
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.