dopamine release
Neurological gratification signal
Dopamine release is the discharge of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation.
The term has escaped neuroscience to become shorthand for any pleasurable stimulus: Checking my phone gives me a dopamine release.
Often used to explain why certain activities feel good or become habit-forming.
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
- reward systemMechanism reinforcing desired behaviors
- reward pathwayNeural circuit mediating pleasure
- addictionCompulsive substance reliance
- instant gratificationSatisfaction without delay
neurotransmitter · brain chemistry · pleasure · craving · reuptake · Parkinson's disease · motivation · receptor · reinforcement learning · anticipation · social media · exercise · runner's high · synapse · schizophrenia · vesicle · ADHD · music
- hormone releasetestosterone surge, adrenaline rush
- body responsesfight, flight, shivering, freeze, goosebumps
- sugar effectsenergy spike, sugar rush, crash, tooth decay, cavities
- dopamineD2 receptor, DAT, tyrosine, MAO, reward system
- stimulationarousal, excitement, activation, sensory input, impulse
- brain activitybrain waves, brainwave, brain signal, alpha waves, beta waves
reward/motivation state
dopamine releaseanhedonia
Inability to feel enjoyment
dysphoria · apathy · depression · aversion · withdrawal symptoms