Is limerence a mental illness?

appear to be genetically driven": indeed, limerence is first and foremost a condition of cognitive obsession. This may be caused by low serotonin levels in the brain, comparable to those of people with obsessive–compulsive disorder.

Is limerence a form of OCD?

Noted psychologist Albert Wakin defines limerence as a combination of OCD and addiction, like living in a state of compulsory longing⁴.

Can you get diagnosed with limerence?

Additionally, a standard diagnosis of limerence does not yet exist, as it does not appear in the DSM-V. Finally, assessments of both the behavioral and cognitive symptoms of limerence were self-reported by BW and therefore subject to reporting bias and possible placebo effect.

What kind of people are prone to limerence?

The trouble is, people prone to limerence are typically intelligent, thoughtful and have insecure attachment styles. While the former two traits allow for great empathy, the latter leaves them believing that they are unworthy of a real relationship.

Is limerence a trauma?

Limerence often occurs when there are cracks in our primary relationship. Limerence is also a symptom of relational trauma from early life attachment wounds.

6 Signs You Have A Love Addiction AKA Limerence

Can limerence cause PTSD?

He theorises that limerence is like post-traumatic stress disorder in reverse. “Instead of stress, it's ecstasy. In PTSD you get intense re-experiencing via flashbacks dreams, intrusive thoughts, accompanied with hypervigilance and anxiety,” he explains.

Is limerence an addiction?

Limerence is considered to be a subset of love addiction. While people who struggle with limerence are very often love addicts, not all love addicts develop limerence.

What mental illness causes limerence?

Such "intrusive thoughts about the LO ... appear to be genetically driven": indeed, limerence is first and foremost a condition of cognitive obsession. This may be caused by low serotonin levels in the brain, comparable to those of people with obsessive–compulsive disorder.

How can you tell if someone is a limerent?

What are the 3 stages of limerence?

Is limerence serious?

If we are telling limerents that their trait is inherently wrong and symptomatic of mental illness, or some other personal failing or psychological wound, when in fact it is a perfectly normal trait common to a significant portion of society, we are potentially causing more harm than good.

How do you deal with a limerent person?

Is there a cure for limerence?

Although recovery research on this condition is relatively inchoate, individuals can undergo a combination of medical treatment (usually antidepressants, which inhibit the part of the brain responsible for obsessive thoughts) and cognitive behavioral therapy to combat symptoms of Limerence.

Is limerence always unrequited?

Oftentimes, limerence is unrequited. It may be that LO is not interested, it may be that one or other of you are unavailable. Regardless of the cause, with one sided limerence that isn't resolved, a likely emotional assault that the limerent will face is seeing LO with a partner.

What causes limerence to end?

Some limerents do report an abrupt stop to their limerence. An off switch. It could be caused by something that LO does that is so objectionable that it overwhelms even a determined limerent's best efforts at idealisation. Or maybe it's a flat out row with LO that is so explosive you can't forgive them.

When does limerence wear off?

On average, limerence lasts somewhere between three months and 36 months. If you were with your lover more often, likely your limerence would be ebbing already. Because you see him rarely, it takes a little longer to run its course.

Is limerence irrational?

No doubt you've seen, or experienced for yourself, the state of limerence. The chaotic, sometimes even terrifying thoughts and feelings. The often irrational, even crazy behaviors.

Why is limerence so strong?

People talk about feeling a connection to the divine when in love, and for limerents, this usually means the initial period of infatuation. For limerents of a spiritual tendency, the “rightness” of feelings for LO can be reinforced by this sense of spiritual connectedness.

Does everyone get limerence?

Again, though, that doesn't mean that only 4-5% of the total population can ever experience limerence; only that those people are the most vulnerable to falling into the toxic state of person addiction.

How strong is limerence?

Limerence can last anywhere from 3 to 48 months on average—based on research. It has to end because the characteristics of limerence are just too extreme for someone to live in it for a lengthy amount of time. Limerence is so intense it brings two strangers closer together with a strong need to spend time together.

Can limerence be mutual?

Tennov says that “probably the most prevalent” type of limerence interaction is “between a limerent person and an LO who does not reciprocate with limerence”—unrequited love. But mutual limerence, Romeo and Juliet-style, is possible.

How does limerence deal with limerence in relationships?

In terms of limerence, this means being honest about your motives when making decisions about LO. Recognise when you are doing something because it might give you a fix, rather than because it is the right thing to do. Then forgive yourself for being human, but do the right thing, with purpose.

How can I help limerence?

Get a therapist to help you. Disclose your inappropriate limerent attachment to your therapist. It will help you get the obsessive thoughts out of your head and into the open. A good therapist can help you to consider whether a disclosure to other people in your life is prudent, given your situation.

How do you detach from limerence?

The quickest way to end an episode of limerence is to be 100% sure that a romantic relationship with the desired person is impossible. Asking the LO out on date or confessing feelings is a surefire way to figure out whether the LO is interested or not.

Can a marriage survive limerence?

Limerence Will End~Eventually

No one could live with this level of emotional intensity for a lifetime. Just like infatuation, the early stage of romantic love. It is great for a time, then reality sets in. The bad news is that limerence may last several years, which in many cases is too late to save your marriage.