euforie

Euforie is a state of intense happiness or well-being, often accompanied by elevated mood, exhilaration, and reduced anxiety. The term derives from Greek eu- “well” and pherein “to bear,” and is cognate with the English word euphoria. In everyday language, it describes strong positive affect; in clinical contexts it can refer to mood states that are unusually elevated for the situation.

Causes and mechanisms involve both natural and pharmacological factors. Euforie can arise from healthy activities such as physical exercise, social bonding, or peak experiences that heighten mood. Neurobiologically, it is associated with activation of the brain’s reward circuitry, including the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, the ventral tegmental area, and the nucleus accumbens, with contributions from endogenous opioids and endocannabinoids. Drugs and substances, such as opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and certain psychoactive medications, can induce euphoric states as part of their effects. In some medical conditions, euforie may occur as a consequence of brain injury or neurological disorders that alter mood regulation.

Clinical relevance varies with context. A transient euphoric mood can be part of normal emotional experience, but persistent or inappropriate euforie may appear in manic or hypomanic episodes, or as a symptom in bipolar spectrum disorders. It can also accompany delirium or certain types of brain injury, necessitating evaluation to distinguish from other mood disturbances and to assess associated risks.

See also: euphoria, dopamine reward system, mania, dysphoria, drug-induced mood changes.