eHarmony.co.uk has found that suffering from a broken heart can have the same side effects as kicking a chemical addiction. We take a look at the top ten- do any of these sound familiar?
Relationships on Female First
An overall low mood and alone - Both men and women site this as their top symptom after a break up. Your dopamine drops and your adrenaline increases, which is also known as 'Habituation' (having to find new routines while missing the old ones you had with your ex).
Depression- This ranks second in both sexes as the body adjusts to a drop in dopamine, which used to be a 'reward' when you saw the person you once loved.
Reduced motivation- Both men and women agree this is the third most prevalent feeling. A low mood and reduced self-worth which makes everything feel like more of an effort than it used to.
Feelings of anxiety and stress -This is equal to both males and female- a reduction in dopamine and an increase in adrenaline means you cannot handle things as well as you once could and you don't feel settled or content anymore.
A loss of appetite- This is something both sexes suffer from in equal measure. High levels of cortisol in the blood result to a rise in blood sugar, while anxiety leads to adrenaline slowing down body processes like digestion so you don't feel as hungry.
Insomnia- Women suffer more from this than men as you mull over whether you've made the right decision by leaving your partner, which increases adrenaline levels, meaning your brain can't switch off.
Eating more unhealthily- Surprisingly, men do this more than women, otherwise known as stress eating. This is basically a 'sexualisation' and 'fetishisation' of food which makes it feel like a treat instead of fuel, so you eat more than you actually need to function.
Reduced interest in exercise- Women tend to have less interest in physical activity than men. You feel a greater lethargy and a low mood - so you don't see the point in taking care of yourself.
Headaches- This is something almost exclusive to men caused by the emotional stress from increased muscle and body tension and perhaps a few tears too.
Skin problems- This is a problem women have to endure and men seem to avoid after a split. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin lead to a lack of sleep and poor diet, all of which can show on the outside as well as the inside of the body.
Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who assisted with the study, comments, " 'Broken Heart Syndrome' is real and has been diagnosed. The exact mechanism is thought to be caused by high levels of circulating adrenaline and similar to the symptoms of a heart attack.
"When you're in love, the hormone Dopamine floods your brain along the same pathway that nicotine does, which makes you 'feel good'. But as it drops away, you want more. During heartbreak, your Dopamine levels fall below average, which can lead to an increase in anxiety and stress, causing you to experience a sense of unease, low mood and even sleep disturbance."
"There is a well-documented link with chemical withdrawal symptoms and the loss of appetite, headaches, insomnia and depression. Part of this has to do with psychological dependence - we are missing what we are used to. A withdrawal craving for that partner that really hurt you, is similar to the psychological dependence and craving for that cigarette that gave you comfort when you held it - and despite knowing its not the best thing for you, you still crave it.
"Another reason that we may feel physically low following a break up is that stress can actually depress your immune system and give rise to inflammation. Add those changes to your diet and social life into the mixture and you have a recipe for headaches, loss of appetites and even heart palpitations, making the term 'broken heart' seem particularly apt!"
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