While most people have an idea of what love is, it is almost impossible to describe the feeling in words. In a practical sense, it is an experience you need to have first in order to understand it. However, studies show interesting similarities between love and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), indicating that love itself is a special form of obsession.
In 1999, a team of researchers led by Dr. Donatella Marazziti set out to explore changes in platelet serotonin transporter (SERT) levels in individuals experiencing romantic love. Dr. Marazziti was a psychiatrist and researcher in Italy. She mainly contributed to the field of affective disorders and conducted research on various topics related to mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and the neurobiology of love and attachment.
While serotonin has many functions, it is primarily known for its mood regulation and involvement in cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Imbalances in serotonin are often linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Three groups of participants were recruited: individuals who were newly in love, single, or in long-term relationships. Platelet SERT binding was measured using a radioligand binding assay.
The results indicated that individuals who were newly in love exhibited significantly lower platelet SERT binding compared to both single individuals and those in long-term relationships.
OCD is often associated with dysregulation of serotonin neurotransmission. The observed reduction in SERT binding in these new lovers suggests a similarity in serotonin neurotransmission, although in a different context. It is interesting to note that the lower SERT binding was unique to the newly in love group, indicating that this alteration is specific to the experience of fresh love rather than simply being in a relationship or being single. This also suggests a downregulation of SERT in individuals newly experiencing romantic love.
Due to the serotonin’s involvement in mood regulation, emotional processing, and social behavior, changes in SERT binding may have implications for the emotional intensity and attachment associated with romantic love.
It is also worth noting that romantic love is characterized by intense emotions and attachment to a specific individual, which may share some similarities with the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors observed in OCD. While the nature and context of these experiences obviously differ significantly, there might be underlying neurobiological mechanisms, such as the serotonin dysregulation outlined by this study, that contribute to both phenomena.
Previous neuroimaging studies of OCD have identified abnormalities in brain regions associated with reward processing, emotion regulation, and attachment. The reward pathway in the OCD’s brain is particularly different compared to others. These are also areas implicated in romantic love. Therefore, alterations in serotonin neurotransmission in these brain regions could potentially contribute to both the experience of romantic love and the manifestation of OCD symptoms.
In conclusion, although love is felt differently by everyone, our understanding on the neurochemical levels can demonstrate the obsessive nature of it.This study sheds light on the neurobiological aspects of romantic love and its potential impact on neurotransmitter systems. Further studies can also reveal if certain conditions, such as limerence, should be considered disorders.
If you would like to read this research paper yourself: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12894497_Alteration_of_the_platelet_serotonin_transporter_in_romantic_love
Listen to our episode about OCD!
yay anushri!!