The happy hormone
Dopamine is a chemical How does dopamine make
used to transmit signals you feel?
between neurons.
When dopamine is released
It is generally known as into these systems, we feel
"the happiness hormone" pleasure, well-being,
Dopamine is involved in relaxation... These are
multiple brain functions sensations of great
including: importance along our
evolution and are present in
*learning and memory
the basic needs of survival
*motivation and reward (for example, food and sex).
* sleep
* mood
What can
* attention cause an
* motor activity excess or lack
of dopamine?
High levels of dopamine
are associated with
hyperactivation and other
disorders. Certain disorders are
associated with low
dopamine levels, such
as depression, attention
deficit, Parkinson's
disease, social anxiety,
restless leg syndrome
and hyperthyroidism.
There are certain mental
disorders associated with an
excessive amount of
dopamine:
Unusually high levels of
dopamine seem to be
responsible for the
symptoms of schizophrenia
such as delusions,
hallucinations, and cognitive
disorganization.
The highest amount of
dopamine in people
diagnosed with bipolar
disorder is believed to cause
the phases of mania and
hypomania.
One way to maintain
dopamine levels is to
control stress levels by
playing a sport or activity.
Enjoy hobbies such as music
and art. Take care of your
diet, as foods rich in
antioxidants help the
formation of dopamine.