Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, also acts as a hormone and plays several functions in the body. Made by the adrenal gland, a gland situated near the kidney, Dopamine is one of the main catecholamines, sharing a portion of the same molecular structure as other hormones such as epinephrine. It is also released in areas including the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and is produced in the dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain. Dopamine is involved with many roles, including causing vasodilation or vasoconstrictions, decreasing lymphocyte activity in the immune system and having an impact on one’s memory, mood, rewards and motivation, learning and much more. Released in the bloodstream, it can also send responses to the body when in a perceived or genuine stressful situation. The body releases this chemical as a reward system or when one has pleasure, releasing dopamine leads to individuals seeking more of this chemical. This process explains the addictivity of junk food and sugar as they release great amounts of dopamine that the body and brain crave.
However, if someone is lacking in dopamine, they may have feelings of unhappiness and also be tired and unmotivated. Moreover, it can cause mood swings, a low sex drive, troubles in sleep, memory loss and concentration issues. On the contrary, a surplus of dopamine will energize an individual, but can also result in aggression, higher impulses and sleeping issues. There are a few diseases that are connected to varying levels of dopamine in the body. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome all have correlations with lower levels of this happy chemical. Diseases with higher levels of dopamine include mania, obesity and addiction while schizophrenia includes both elevated and diminished levels of schizophrenia.
When diseases include a lowered dopamine level, dopamine agonists, and dopamine drugs, are possible treatments for such disorders. By binding and activating the dopamine receptors in the brain, the nerve cells will still respond similarly to natural dopamine. To block these receptors, in cases of psychosis, individuals should seek dopamine antagonists to block the reception of dopamine to nerve cells. Another drug that impacts dopamine levels is dopamine reuptake inhibitors, which prevent dopamine from being re-absorbed by the nerve cell that released the chemical. This allows greater availability of dopamine to the rest of the neurons. These drugs have been used for various diseases such as narcolepsy, and depression and to overcome addictions.
Though prescribed drugs and medication have an impact on dopamine, recreational drugs are also affected by the chemical. Dopamine stimulates the brain when taking drugs to feel pleasure, making drugs addictive. However, with elongated exposure, larger amounts of drugs would be needed to get the same addictive feeling. There is current research that is questioning whether or not dopamine has a direct connection to euphoria or is just a method to remember such experiences.
Dopamine results in cycles, some of which ruin countless lives. However, it still holds vital importance in the body and brain and works alongside another chemical to boost happiness.
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