TED Health
Why broken hearts hurt — and what heals them | Yoram Yovell
Jul 23, 2024
Neuroscientist Yoram Yovell explores the relationship between physical and mental pain, revealing how endorphins and opioid receptors play a crucial role in easing both types of suffering. He discusses the potential for new treatments in mental health and well-being, reexamining the impact of love, loss, and the healing power of a simple hug.
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Quick takeaways
- Mental pain activates brain circuits similar to physical pain, highlighting the evolutionary importance of pain experiences.
- Endorphins activate mu-opioid receptors in the brain to alleviate physical and emotional pain, offering safer pain relief options.
Deep dives
Understanding the Link Between Mental and Physical Pain
Yoram Yavell, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, delves into the connection between mental pain and physical pain. Through his research, he explores how the brain processes both types of pain and the role of endorphins in alleviating pain. Yavell discusses how mental pain, such as heartbreak or loss, activates similar brain circuits as physical pain, emphasizing the evolutionary importance of experiencing pain.
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