Page 307 - The Truth Landscape Format 2020 1st Draft 19_01_2020

Researchers use magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to watch people's brains when they look at a photograph of their object of affection. During research,
scans showed increased blood flow in areas of the brain with high concentrations of receptors for dopamine, associated with states of euphoria, craving and
addiction.

Norepinephrine is similar to adrenaline and produces the racing heart and excitement. According to Helen Fisher, anthropologist from Rutgers University,
together these two chemicals produce elation, intense energy, sleeplessness, craving, loss of appetite and focused attention. She also says, "The human body
releases the cocktail of love rapture only when certain conditions are met and ... men more readily produce it than women, because of their more visual nature."

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is released from the pituitary gland and bathes the brain and reproductive tracts of both women and men. This chemical increases our sensitivity to
touch and encourages grooming and cuddling in both sexes. It also reduces stress-causing hormones in the body.

Oxytocin is released every time we hold hands or snuggle up close to someone. It bonds us with the people we love most, whether a lover, child, family member
or friend. Studies show oxytocin levels peak for women when delivering a baby and breast-feeding, which are both actions that send oxytocin levels
skyrocketing. A labour-inducing drug, Pitocin, is a form of oxytocin.

The oxytocin effect is more powerful in women, probably because it works in concert with estrogen (more plentiful in the female body) and is subdued by
testosterone (higher in men). Research shows that men who regularly stimulate their mates' oxytocin levels are treated by those women with greater affection.

In romantic love, when two people have sex, oxytocin is released, which helps bond the relationship. Oxytocin is also associated with mother/infant bonding,
uterine contractions during labour in childbirth and the "let down" reflex necessary for breastfeeding.

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 Page307
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