Why getting dumped feels like it does

Researchers are analysing brian images from 17 young men and women who recently were dumped by their lovers. The investigators have noticed one preliminary finding: increased activation in an area of the brain related to the region associated with passionate love. " It seems to suggest what psychological literature, peotry and people have long noticed: being dumped actually does heighten romantic love, a phenomenon I call frustration-attraction" said Dr Fisher.
One volunteer in the study suffered through a break-up with her boyfriend 3 years ago. " It had little to do with him, but more with the fact that there was something there, inside myself, a hope, a knowledge that there's someone out there for you, and that you are capable of feeling this way. I felt like that was being lost." she said.
And no wonder. In a series of studies, researchers have found that, among other processes, new love involves psychologically internalising a love, absorbing elements of the other person's opinions, hobbies, expressions and character, as well as sharing one's own. " The expansion of the self happens very rapidly. It is one of the most exhilarating experiences there is." said Dr Aron.
To love all that, all aat once, while still in love, plays havoc with the emotional, cognitive and deeper reward-driven areas of the brain.
But the heightened activity in there areas inevitably settles down. And the circuits in the brain related to passion remain intact and capable in time of flaring to life with someone new.