[Pathological love: is it a new psychiatric disorder?]

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Pathological love involves repetitive, uncontrolled caretaking behavior in romantic relationships.
• This condition is distinct from erotomania or delusional love and appears to be relatively common, despite limited research.
• Existing data primarily consists of case studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical characteristics of pathological love (PL).
• To identify potential psychological and familial factors associated with pathological love.

Main Methods:

• A literature review was conducted using Medline, Lilacs, and PsychoINFO databases.
• The review focused on studies detailing the clinical presentation of pathological love.

Main Results:

• Low self-esteem, anger, and affectionate deprivation are significant psychological factors.
• Emotional distress is also a key psychological component.
• Family factors such as substance abuse and childhood neglect (physical/emotional) are associated with pathological love.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to precisely define the clinical, etiologic, and comorbid features of pathological love.
• A better understanding will facilitate effective treatment approaches.
• Addressing pathological love can positively impact the emotional lives of many individuals.