..... that Dopamine is not our "happy" hormone?
Dopamine, often dubbed the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, plays a central role in our emotional well-being. However, it's essential to understand that dopamine isn't just about experiencing happiness—it's about the thrill of anticipation and pursuing rewarding experiences.
Dopamine is like your brain's motivational messenger. It surges when you're on the brink of something exciting, be it a delicious meal, a thrilling adventure, or achieving a personal goal. It's the spark of anticipation that drives us to pursue these rewards, making us feel alive and engaged. Contrary to the popular belief that dopamine is released when we're happy, it actually plays a more critical role in the journey toward happiness.
But where does the neurotransmitter originate?
Dopamine is primarily synthesized within the brain, particularly in two main nuclei: Substantia Nigra and Vental Tegmental Area (VTA). Moreover, the brain houses three distinct dopaminergic pathways, including the mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and mesocortical pathway, each playing a unique role in different brain functions.
Schizophrenia: Dopamine abnormalities play a significant role in conditions like schizophrenia. An overactive dopaminergic mesolimbic-pathway of the brain is implicated, contributing to distorted thought patterns and hallucinations.
Parkinson's: Conversely, Parkinson's disease reveals the other side of the spectrum, where a deficiency in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal-pathway within the brain leads to motor impairment symptoms, such as "tremor".
Depression: Depression, too, is often marked by disrupted dopamine dysregulation. The affected dopaminergic system is thought to be the mesocortical-pathway, resulting in abnormalities of experiences in pleasure and motivation. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) enters the spotlight as well, with dopamine playing a crucial role in attention and impulse control
In essence, dopamine emerges not as the conductor of happiness but, in fact, as as key player in anticipation and craving of rewards. Besides, dopamine abnormalities are associated with neuropsychiatric conditions - such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, depression, or ADHD.