Psychology
What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) involved in motivation, reward, and movement. It's released when we anticipate or experience something rewarding, helping drive us toward goals — and it's central to habits and learning.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains dopamine.
Key things to understand
- 1A neurotransmitter that signals reward and motivation.
- 2Released in anticipation of rewards, not just on receiving them.
- 3It shapes habits, learning, and focus.
- 4Imbalances are linked to addiction, Parkinson's, and mood disorders.
Frequently asked questions
- What does dopamine do?
- It drives motivation and reward, helps control movement, and reinforces behaviors and habits.
- Is dopamine the 'pleasure chemical'?
- More accurately the 'wanting'/motivation chemical — it spikes in anticipation of reward, not only enjoyment.
- How is dopamine linked to addiction?
- Addictive substances and behaviors hijack the dopamine reward system, reinforcing compulsive use.