Dopamine Research Paper

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays critical roles in “movement, learning, attention and motivation,” according to (Pastornio 54), and balanced levels are essential to movement and metal function. Insufficient or excessive amounts of dopamine contribute to severe physical and mental conditions, including conditions such as Parkinson's disease Schizophrenia and drug addiction. Moreover, uncharacteristically high levels of dopamine have been powerfully linked to schizophrenic and psychotic episodes since it acts to manage the communication in the brain (Psychologist World). Additionally, an excess of dopamine in the brain can cause unpredictable, uncontrollable movements such as shaking and repetitive tics (Parkinson's Disease …show more content…
Unfortunately, Parkinson's disease does not have a cure and becomes progressively worse over time, ultimately resulting in death. It is a debilitating, chronic movement disorder that effects nearly one million people in the US (Parkinson's Disease Foundation). After much research, the medical community has identified a shortage of dopamine within patients with Parkinson's disease. Specifically, the death of neurons that produce dopamine in the brain has been identified as the cause of Parkinson's disease and slowly decreases the patient’s ability to “execute smooth, controlled movements” (Psychologist World). The treatment of Parkinson’s disease varies from patient to patient, but according to The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, typically involve the use of Dopamine agonists to combat the symptoms. These medications may include: “Carbidopa-levodopa. Carbidopa-levodopa infusion. Dopamine agonists. MAO-B inhibitors” (Parkinson's Disease Foundation). Treatment of motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease is strongly linked with balancing the insufficient dopamine levels found in the patient’s …show more content…
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Schizophrenia impacts “how a person thinks, feels, and behaves”, with patients often seemingly like they are disassociated with reality (NIH-HHS). Symptoms can consist of delusions, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, hedonism, high energy, mania, paranoia, and hallucinations, to name a few ("Schizophrenia", 2017). Interesting, high levels of dopamine can result in symptoms similar to Schizophrenia and certainly can exasperate existing conditions of psychosis and schizophrenia (Psychologist

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