History of Euphoria in Timeline

Euphoria is a state characterized by intense feelings of well-being, pleasure, excitement, and happiness. It can be induced by natural rewards like exercise, laughter, music, and social activities, as well as romantic love and the human sexual response. Euphoria is also associated with certain neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders such as mania. Furthermore, many addictive drugs can trigger euphoria, contributing to their recreational use and potential for abuse. While often a positive experience, the connection to mental disorders and addictive substances highlights the complex nature of euphoria.

1903: Euphoria Defined as Pleasant Excitement

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

1920: Euphoria Described in Popular Science

In 1920, Popular Science magazine described euphoria as "a high sounding name" meaning "feeling fit": normally making life worth living, motivating drug use, and ill formed in certain mental illnesses.

1921: Euphoria Described as Opposite of Fatigue

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

Psychology A Study Of Mental Life

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1940: Euphoria Defined as General Well-being

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

1957: Opioid Euphoria Regarded as Medically Undesirable

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 Described in Psychiatric Context

In 1977, the edition of A Concise Encyclopaedia of Psychiatry called euphoria "a mood of contentment and well-being," with pathologic associations when used in a psychiatric context.

January 2019: Clinical Study on Dopamine and Music Pleasure

In January 2019, a clinical study assessed the effect of levodopa (dopamine precursor), risperidone (dopamine antagonist), and a placebo on reward responses to music, finding that dopamine neurotransmission bidirectionally regulates pleasure cognition.