[Love and neurology]

Abstract

Introduction: 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.