Page 245 - C:\Users\STEVEB~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msoF8C5.tmp

Ϯϰϱ

3$57 - /(&785( - 7+( 32:(5 2) /29(

Vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, is another chemical that has been associated with the
formation of long-term relationships. Oxytocin and vasopressin interfere with the dopamine and
norepinephrine pathways, which might explain why passionate love fades as attachment
grows.

Endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, also play a key role in long-term relationships. They
produce a general sense of well-being, including feeling soothed, peaceful and secure.

Serotonin A shortage of this brain chemical is widely associated with depression. Antidepressant
drugs such as Prozac are designed to increase serotonin levels, as can pleasant dinner
conversations with your mate. In animal studies, high levels of serotonin encourage selectivity in
mates while lower amounts are associated with less discriminating choices of mates and overly
aggressive sexual behaviour.

Serotonin increases when you are feeling good about yourself, loving someone and being loved
are among the best ways to feel that way.

Another possible explanation for the intense focus and idealising that occurs in the attraction
stage of love, comes from researchers at University College London. They discovered that
people in love have lower levels of serotonin and also that neural circuits associated with the
way we assess others are suppressed. These lower serotonin levels are the same as those found
in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders, possibly explaining why those in love "obsess"
about their partner.

Love Junkies
There are those who may be addicted to that love "high." They need that amphetamine-like
rush of dopamine, norepinephrine and phenylethylamine. Because the body builds up a
tolerance to these chemicals, it begins to take more and more to give love junkies that high.
They go through relationship after relationship to get their fix.