History of Euphoria in Timeline

Euphoria is characterized by intense feelings of well-being, pleasure, and excitement. It can be naturally induced through activities like exercise, laughter, music, dancing, and romantic love. However, euphoria can also be a symptom of neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders such as mania. Certain addictive drugs can induce euphoria, contributing to their recreational use. This multifaceted phenomenon is associated with both positive experiences and potential risks related to mental health and substance abuse.

1903: Euphoria Defined as Pleasant Excitement

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

1920: Popular Science on Euphoria

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: Psychology Textbook Definition of Euphoria

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."

1940: The Journal of Psychology's Definition

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

1957: British Pharmacologist's View on Opioid Euphoria

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: A Concise Encyclopaedia of Psychiatry on Euphoria

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 Reward Responses

In January 2019, a clinical study found that manipulating dopamine neurotransmission bidirectionally regulates pleasure cognition, specifically the hedonic impact of music, in human subjects.