This is for hard-core science-y types.

Below is a good review that discusses how social (and other) disorders may be related to the interaction between dopamine and oxytocin dysregulation. For us, it confirms the idea that the desire pathway, when dysregulated, can mess with social bonds.

Oxytocin mediates the antidepressant effects of mating behavior in male mice.

[Japan]

Abstract

Social Media Increases “Cuddle” Chemical Production in the Brain [STUDY]

Sometimes referred to as the “cuddle” chemical, oxytocin — a hormone produced in the brain — stimulates feelings of trust and security, reduces anxiety levels and may even produce positive sexual side effects. It sounds like a miracle drug, so how does one get their hands on it? Perhaps, simply by tweeting.

THE PRICKLY SIDE OF OXYTOCIN
Greg Miller

I am coming up to 4 weeks without porn, prostitutes or masturbation. I am not missing these and I'm finding life without these is less stressful than I imagined. Rather than using these things something to turn to when things get tough I'm much more balanced.

Hey everyone, here is an article on oxytocin just released on BBC news in the UK, some of you might find it interesting (although it is a bit basic if you've read CPA):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8653500.stm

Cheers,
Parky

Abstract

Animal studies have implicated oxytocin and vasopressin in social bonding, physiological stress responses, and wound healing. In humans, endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels covary with perceptions of relationship quality, marital behaviors, and physiological stress responses.

Mother rats who took really good care of their pups produced more oxytocin and showed more "reward" in their dopamine system. If oxytocin was blocked, dopamine reward didn't happen. Same thing might be going on with bonding behaviors between lovers. As oxytocin response gets stronger, so does dopamine reward.??

[Endocrinology. 2010 May;151(5):2276-86. Epub 2010 Mar 12.
Shahrokh DK, Zhang TY, Diorio J, Gratton A, Meaney MJ.
Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.

Fathers (and mothers) who had a lot of play-and-contact with their infants showed higher oxytocin levels. Might this suggest that regular bonding behaviors between lovers are also necessary to keep oxytocin levels high - and bonds stronger?

[Feldman R, Gordon I, Schneiderman I, Weisman O, Zagoory-Sharon O.
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2010 Feb 12; [Epub ahead of print]
Bar-Ilan University, Israel.]