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A short history of lovesickness

The first flushes of love, especially when it’s unrequited, can produce uncomfortable and disconcerting feelings – almost like an illness. While we may no longer consider lovesickness a disease today, it was long considered a genuine affliction.

Words by Aisha Mazhar

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About the author

Head and shoulders photograph of a woman with dark hair wearing a white shirt

Aisha Mazhar

Aisha is on the Wellcome Trust Graduate scheme. Prior to joining Wellcome, she studied History at King’s College London and co-hosted a radio show for the university’s own radio station.