World of Psychology

Lovesickness might be just that, experts warn

By John M. Grohol, PsyD
Founder & Editor-in-Chief

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).


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

APA Reference
Grohol, J. (2005). Lovesickness might be just that, experts warn. Psych Central. Retrieved on May 25, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2005/02/08/lovesickness-might-be-just-that-experts-warn/

 

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