The heartbreak could be treated with this previously unexplored method

Journal of Psychiatric Research recently published a promising study on an innovative method to alleviate heartbreak using a brain stimulation headset. Researchers from Zanjan University (Iran) and Bielefeld University (Germany) tested this device on 36 volunteers suffering from "love trauma syndrome," a clinical condition caused by a romantic breakup.


For five days, participants used this headset for 20 minutes, twice a day. They were divided into three groups: the first received stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the second of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and the third group wore an inactive headset as a reference.

The researchers observed a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants from the first two groups compared to the control group. The results were particularly pronounced in those receiving DLPFC stimulation. These brain regions were targeted due to their role in emotion regulation.

According to the scientists, "emotion regulation is considered the main goal of treatment" in cases of heartbreak. One month after the treatment ended, the volunteers still felt better, demonstrating the lasting effectiveness of this technique. However, these promising results need to be confirmed by larger trials.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a method already used in clinical research to treat various emotional disorders. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is currently exploring the effectiveness of similar devices to treat mild depression.

"Love trauma syndrome" is characterized by intense emotional distress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, obsessive thoughts, and an increased risk of suicide. Conventional treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are not always effective. tDCS could thus represent an innovative complementary approach for these difficult-to-treat cases.

The researchers have therefore highlighted a new therapeutic pathway to alleviate the emotional suffering associated with romantic breakups. Stimulating specific brain areas involved in emotion regulation could thus offer significant and lasting relief for those suffering from this syndrome.