Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter created by the body and used by the brain. It travels to various sections of the brain through separate channels and affects several functions in the body. Dopamine is related to hormone regulation, motor control and memory, and also increases emotional response and sexual desire.
Emotions
Increased levels of dopamine can result in happy feelings and high emotions. According to Cornell University, higher levels of dopamine can result in a positive outlook and increased energy and excitement. These results are often seen among people who are working toward a goal or incentive in life. Dopamine stirs excitement and motivates people toward achievement.
Addiction
Use of some illegal drugs can affect dopamine release, intensifying the symptoms associated with elevated levels. Cocaine alters the release of neurotransmitters and prevents the reuptake of dopamine in the system, resulting in increased levels. Amphetamines stimulate the body to increase production of dopamine overall. Both of these drugs result in overstimulation and a heightened sense of pleasure and awareness, and abandoning addiction can be difficult.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a type of mental illness that causes hallucinations, delusional thinking, disorganized speech and abnormal behavior. Schizophrenia has several causes, but may be related to increased amounts of dopamine released in the brain. People with schizophrenia sometimes respond well to medications that impede dopamine. Increased intake of amphetamines, which stimulate dopamine production, also results in symptoms that mimic schizophrenia.
Tourette's Syndrome
Increased levels of dopamine have been seen among people diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. Tourette's is a genetic disorder that causes uncontrolled tics; which are repetitive movements or vocalizations. Tics can occur during childhood and tend to lessen as a person matures, but many adults manage tics associated with Tourette's. The syndrome may be related to other childhood conditions, such as anxiety disorders, stuttering or ADHD.
Treatment
Increased levels of dopamine that cause unmanageable symptoms can be treated with drugs called dopamine antagonists. These medications block dopamine receptors in the brain, stopping its effects. Some examples of dopamine antagonists are haloperidol, risperidone, clozapine and aripiprazole.
References
- Cornell Research: Psychologist Finds Dopamine Linked to Personality Trait and Happiness
- University of Utah Genetic Science Learning Center: Beyond the Reward Pathway
- University of Texas: Dopamine: A Sample Neurotransmitter
- University of Washington: Schizophrenia
- Minnesota State University: Serotonin-Dopamine Antagonists in the Treatment of Stuttering
