What Is A Dopamine Molecule And How Does It Affect Me?

You've likely heard of dopamine before, but you may not know what it is or what it does. Dopamine plays a role in numerous bodily functions, including our reward system. Learning about dopamine and its effect on everyday life may help you make the most of the way this chemical affects our behaviors. 

Below, we’ll discuss the various functions of dopamine, conditions that are associated with altered dopamine levels, and ways that you can get help with challenges that may be caused by changes in dopamine levels.

What is a dopamine molecule?

Dopamine is a chemical that is produced organically in your body. It also exists in animals and plants, which means it's something we have in common with all living things around us.

As a hormone, dopamine is produced in the adrenal glands, above the kidneys. However, it’s also produced as a neurohormone in the hypothalamus area of the brain. 

Dopamine molecule pathways in the brain

There are different pathways throughout the brain that are used by dopamine, and each of these pathways works with a different part of your brain activity. First, there's a pathway that provides you with motivation, and it tends to be related to reward-based behaviors. For example, if you know that a specific behavior is going to get you a specific reward (dopamine), you may be more likely to complete the behavior. You likely feel happier and more excited about the outcome and what you're going to get as a result. As you engage in pleasurable behavior, such as eating or drinking, you tend to receive more dopamine. 

Dopamine molecules: Function in the brain and body

There are far more functions that dopamine can play a role in. For example, it can inhibit the release of norepinephrine and help to increase sodium excretion or urine excretion. It's also able to reduce the activity of lymphocytes. Because it's produced throughout the body and affects so many different areas of the body, dopamine is considered an important chemical for your overall health and well-being.

What happens without dopamine molecules in the body and the brain?

When there isn't enough dopamine in the body, it may contribute to a variety of health problems. For example, a lack of dopamine in the brain can occur in those with Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, restless leg syndrome, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Many parts of your body need some dopamine to function. Whether it uses that dopamine as a transmitter of information or to help with other normal processes, it’s something that your body needs. For this reason, researchers have found several uses for artificial dopamine as well as for dopamine antagonists.

Medicinal dopamine drugs

Artificial dopamine and dopamine antagonists have been used as a treatment for a variety of disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Medicinal dopamine may help those who have low levels of dopamine, and they are especially used for things like low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, and even cardiac arrest.

Despite the usefulness of medicinal dopamine and dopamine antagonists, it’s recommended that you not start taking dopamine or other medications without a physician’s approval.

Getting help when experiencing low levels of molecular dopamine

If you're experiencing low levels of dopamine, it can lead to changes in your mood and behavior. It may be helpful to speak with a physician if you experience moods or feelings that seem different to you. If you find yourself more anxious, frustrated, angry, sad, or even excited or happy, you might consider talking to a doctor about your symptoms. Sometimes you may feel these emotions more or less than others, but if you seem to go through streaks where the feelings are strong, it may be a sign of something more.

You may find it helpful to also talk to a mental health professional about any changes in mood or behavior. If you don’t feel comfortable seeing a therapist in person, you might try online therapy, which many peer-reviewed studies have shown to be effective. One study showed that online therapy is effective for several conditions that can lead to changes in mood, including depression. 

With an online therapy service like BetterHelp, you can speak with a licensed therapist from home via live chat, audio, or videoconferencing. You can also contact them at any time through in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as they can. This may be helpful if you experience changes in mood in between sessions as a result of dopamine levels or any other causes.