Dopamine is often referred to as the "feel good" neurotransmitter and plays a central role in our emotional well-being. But it's important to understand that dopamine isn't just about experiences of happiness—it's more about the excitement of anticipation and the pursuit of rewarding experiences. Think of dopamine as your brain's motivational messenger. It shoots up when you're about to experience something exciting, whether it's a delicious meal, a thrilling adventure, or achieving a personal goal. It's the spark of anticipation that drives us to pursue those rewards and makes us feel alive and engaged. Contrary to the popular belief that dopamine is released when we're happy, it actually plays a crucial role on the path to happiness .
But where does this neurotransmitter actually come from?Dopamine is mainly synthesized in the brain, specifically in two important areas: the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmentum (VTA). In addition, there are three different dopaminergic pathways in the brain - the mesolimbic, nigrostriatal and mesocortical pathways - each of which performs a unique function in the brain.An example of the importance of dopamine can be found in psychiatry: dopamine abnormalities play a significant role in schizophrenia. An overactive dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway can contribute to distorted thought patterns and hallucinations. On the other hand, Parkinson's disease shows how a lack of dopamine in the nigrostriatal pathway can lead to motor impairments such as tremors.Dyspregulation of the dopamine system is also often mentioned in depression. Here, the mesocortical pathway is affected, which can lead to abnormal experiences of pleasure and motivation. In addition, dopamine plays a crucial role in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where it is important for controlling attention and impulses.
In summary, dopamine is not the conductor of our happiness, but rather acts as a key player in the expectation and desire for rewards. Moreover, dopamine abnormalities are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, depression, and ADHD.