According to The Medical News, dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter that is found in the different areas of brain and is essential for several functions of the central nervous system. Dopamine plays a major role in the feelings of addiction and excitement, memory and motor control. Some of the causes of dopamine depletion are stress, alcohol withdrawal, obesity, poor nutrition, certain food stuffs and drugs.
Stress
Stress is a cause for dopamine depletion. A 1985 study published in the journal Neuro Endocrinology investigated the effects of acute stress on serum prolactin concentrations and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neuronal activity in female rats. Researchers found that acute restraint stress can decrease the dopamine synthesis and turnover in the brain. Stress is also the reason behind depletion of adrenals.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Dopamine depletion can occur with alcohol withdrawal. According to The Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, repeated use of alcohol can impair dopamine levels in the brain. When a person is dependent on alcohol, brain areas that produce dopamine become depleted. Patients in this condition can no longer enjoy the pleasures of everyday life and will develop alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Obesity
Obesity can result in dopamine depletion. In a 2001 study published in Brookhaven National Laboratory, researchers found that obese persons have depleted levels of dopamine due to the presence of fewer receptors for dopamine. Patients were thus advised to be physically active.
Poor Nutrition
Dopamine depletion occurs with poor nutrition. The Franklin Institute reports that poor nutrition can cause the levels of dopamine to decrease. According to The Franklin Institute, alcohol, caffeine and sugar may reduce dopamine levels in the brain. The Franklin Institute recommends consumption of plenty of fruits and vegetables, because they provide antioxidants, which help protect dopamine-using brain cells from free damage.
References
- The Medical News: What Is Dopamine?
- Neuro Endocrinology; Acute Restraint Stress Decreases Dopamine Synthesis and Turnover in the Median Eminence; Keith T. Demarest et al.; March 28, 2008
- Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders: Alcohol and Related Disorders
- The Brookhaven National Laboratory; Scientists Find Link Between Dopamine and Obesity; Gene-Jack Wang et al.; February 1, 2001
- The Franklin Institute: The Human Brain
