Dopamine

Dopamine is a hormone and a neurotransmitter released by the brain which plays a number of
roles in humans and other animals.
Several important diseases of the nervous system are associated with dysfunctions of the
dopamine system. Parkinson's disease, a degenerative condition causing tremor and motor impairment,
is caused by loss of dopamine-secreting neurons in the midbrain area called the substantia nigra. There is
evidence that schizophrenia involves altered levels of dopamine activity, and the antipsychotic drugs that
are frequently used to treat it have a primary effect of attenuating dopamine activity. Attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are also believed to be associated
with decreased dopamine activity. On the other hand those with bipolar disorder in manic states become
hypersocial, as well as hypersexual. This is credited to an increase in dopamine. Mania can be reduced by
dopamine-blocking anti-psychotics.
Dopamine in pleasure reward seeking behavior
Dopamine is the chemical that mediates pleasure in the brain. It is released during pleasurable
situations and stimulates one to seek out the pleasurable activity or occupation. This means food, sex, and
several drugs of abuse are also stimulants of dopamine release in the brain, particularly in areas such as
the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex.
Dopamine and addiction
Cocaine is a dopamine transporter blocker that competitively inhibits dopamine uptake to
increase the presence of dopamine. Amphetamine increases the concentration of dopamine in the synaptic
gap, but by a different mechanism. Amphetamines are similar in structure to dopamine, and so can enter
the presynaptic neuron via its dopamine transporters. By entering, amphetamines force dopamine
molecules out of their storage vesicles. By increasing presence of dopamine both these lead to increased
pleasurable feelings and addiction.
Dopamine in memory
Levels of dopamine in the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex, help in improved working
memory. However, this is a delicate balance and as levels increase or decrease to abnormal levels,
memory suffers.
Dopamine in attention
Dopamine helps in focus and attention. Vision helps a dopamine response in the brain and this in
turn helps one to focus and direct their attention. Dopamine may be responsible for determining what
stays in the short term memory based on an imagined response to certain information. Reduced dopamine
concentrations in the prefrontal cortex are thought to contribute to attention deficit disorder.
Dopamine in cognition
Dopamine in the frontal lobes of the brain controls the flow of information from other areas of the
brain. Disorders of dopamine in this region lead to decline in neurocognitive functions, especially
memory, attention, and problem-solving.