History of Euphoria in Timeline

Euphoria is a state characterized by intense feelings of pleasure, excitement, well-being, and happiness. It can be naturally induced by activities like exercise, laughter, music, dancing, and social interaction. Euphoria is also linked to romantic love and sexual activity. However, it can also be a symptom of neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders like mania. Importantly, many addictive drugs induce euphoria, contributing to their recreational use and potential for abuse. Thus, while euphoria can be a positive and natural experience, it can also be a sign of underlying health issues or a consequence of substance use.

1903: Euphoria as "pleasant excitement"

In 1903, an article in The Boston Daily Globe described euphoria as "pleasant excitement" and "the sense of ease and well-being".

1920: Euphoria as "feeling fit"

In 1920, Popular Science magazine defined euphoria as "a high sounding name" meaning "feeling fit", motivating drug use, and ill formed in certain mental illnesses.

1921: Euphoria Described in Psychology Textbook

In 1921, Robert S. Woodworth's textbook, Psychology: A study of mental life, described euphoria as an organic state that is the opposite of fatigue and "means about the same as feeling good."

Psychology A Study Of Mental Life

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1940: Definition of Euphoria in The Journal of Psychology

In 1940, The Journal of Psychology defined euphoria as a "state of general well being ... and pleasantly toned feeling."

1957: Opioid Euphoria in Pharmacology

In 1957, British pharmacologist D. A. Cahal did not regard opioid euphoria as medically undesirable but an effect which "enhance[s] the value of a major analgesic."

1977: Euphoria in Psychiatry

In 1977, A Concise Encyclopaedia of Psychiatry described euphoria as "a mood of contentment and well-being," with pathologic associations when used in a psychiatric context. As a sign of cerebral disease, it was described as bland and out of context, representing an inability to experience negative emotion.

January 2019: Dopamine's Role in Musical Pleasure

In January 2019, a clinical study found that manipulating dopamine neurotransmission bidirectionally regulates pleasure cognition in human subjects, specifically the hedonic impact of music, suggesting that increased dopamine neurotransmission acts as a sine qua non condition for pleasurable hedonic reactions to music.