Both sex addiction and love addiction are mental disorders characterized by an impaired ability to engage in healthy emotional intimacy. Men or women suffering from either disorder typically have obsessive thoughts and compulsions leading to unhealthy behaviors.

Is love addiction a mental disorder?

Even though love addiction is not recognized by DSM-5 as a specific diagnosis, there is enough literature data to support its characterization as an independent mental disorder.

What is it called to be addicted to love?

Love addiction, also known as relationship addiction and romance addiction, is diagnosed using the same basic criteria as any other addiction. These criteria are: An ongoing preoccupation to the point of obsession with intense romantic fantasies and new relationships.

What causes love addiction?

Genetics, trauma, and upbringing can play a factor in love addition and addiction in general. Love addiction stems from several places like low self-esteem, or other underlying problems. For example, a partner lacking self-esteem may lean on their partner to give them that.

Are love addicts narcissists?

Narcissistic love addicts frequently keep their love addictions a secret. On the outside, they appear to be only in it for themselves. They dont seem to care about the partner at all. They use dominance and control to get what they want out of a relationship.

What happens to your brain when you fall in love?

When you start falling in love, your brain releases chemicals like vasopressin, adrenaline, dopamine, and oxytocin that light up your neural receptors and make you feel both pleasure and a euphoric sense of purpose. Romantic love is an addiction.