A review of the relationship between dysphoria, pleasure, and human bonding

A model is presented which links up recent findings regarding the biochemical substrates of neurological networks mediating pleasure states with the concept of animal behavior relating to bonding. The forms of human bonding (parent-child, kinship, friendship) have analogies in the animal world and appear to be based on a combination of fixed action patterns, learning behaviors supported by endogenous secretion of "pleasure-producing" endorphines, and social reinforcement. The implications of this model for psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation are discussed.