Article

Love is a complex emotional state which is difficult to define.
Considering anthropological studies, this feeling can now be divided into three
distinct behaviors: lust, attraction for a specific partner and conjugal or
filial attachment. STATE OF ART: For each, recent findings have contributed to
identify specific neuronal networks which are interconnected as shown by common
activation of limbic and paralimbic systems. A major role of arginine/vasopressin
and oxytocin has also been pointed out for mate choice and attachment promotion.
In the field of neurology, studies about pathologies of love are sparse and
mainly focused on sexual disorders. Pathologies of attachment like autism and
borderline personality are beginning to be identified. PERSPECTIVES: Future
investigations would yield a better understanding of this complex emotional state
and a better detection of new pathologies related to a major affective
disability. CONCLUSION: Neurosciences have contributed to highlight mechanisms
involved in love.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : FRANCAIS