Love addiction is a proposed model of pathological passion-related behavior involving the feeling of falling and being in love. It is a controversial and highly debated condition, and there has never been a reference to love addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) . Love addiction can cause emotional problems and even contribute to the breakdown of a relationship. Some experts suggest that love addiction may share similar qualities with substance use disorder and addiction. Love addiction stems from several places like low self-esteem, trauma, and upbringing, and it can exist with other types of mental or emotional challenges. Some common indicators of love addiction include:
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Fixations and compulsions in love interests: Love addiction creates fixations and compulsions in love interests and can play itself out in unhealthy behaviors toward loved ones.
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Obsessive thoughts and behaviors: Love addiction can cause emotional distress, compulsive behaviors, and even obsessions where love, romance, and sex are concerned.
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Consistent pattern of negative consequences: With love addiction, there is a consistent pattern of one or more signs, resulting in ongoing and eventually escalating negative consequences.
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Fear of being alone or rejected: Those who are addicted to love live in a chaotic world of desperate need and emotional despair. Fearful of being alone or rejected, love addicts endlessly search for that special someone.
It is important to note that "love addiction" is not recognized as a clinical term and cannot be medically diagnosed.
