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D
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opamine is a chemical found
naturally in the human body. It is a neurotransmitter, meaning it sends signals
from the body to the brain.
Dopamine
plays a part in controlling the movements a person makes, as well as their
emotional responses. The right balance of dopamine is vital for both physical
and mental wellbeing.
Vital
brain functions that affect mood, sleep, memory, learning, concentration, and
motor control are influenced by the levels of dopamine in a person's body. A
dopamine deficiency may be related to certain medical conditions,
including depression and Parkinson's disease.
A
dopamine deficiency can be due to a drop in the amount of dopamine made by the
body or a problem with the receptors in the brain.
Symptoms
A dopamine deficiency is associated with depression, but researchers are still investigating this complex link.
The
symptoms of a dopamine deficiency depend on the underlying cause. For example,
a person with Parkinson's disease will experience very different symptoms from
someone with low dopamine levels due to drug use.
Some
signs and symptoms of conditions related to a dopamine deficiency include:
·
muscle cramps, spasms, or
tremors
·
aches and pains
·
stiffness in the muscles
·
loss of balance
·
difficulty eating and
swallowing
·
weight loss or weight gain
·
gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD)
·
frequent pneumonia
·
trouble sleeping or
disturbed sleep
·
low energy
·
an inability to focus
·
moving or speaking more
slowly than usual
·
feeling fatigued
·
feeling demotivated
·
feeling inexplicably sad or
tearful
·
mood swings
·
feeling hopeless
·
having low self-esteem
·
feeling guilt-ridden
·
feeling anxious
·
suicidal thoughts or
thoughts of self-harm
·
low sex drive
·
hallucinations
·
delusions
·
lack of insight or
self-awareness
Causes
Dopamine deficiency may be influenced by a number of factors. Existing conditions, drug abuse, and an unhealthy diet may all be factors.
Low
dopamine is linked to numerous mental health disorders
but does not directly cause these conditions.
The
most common conditions linked to a dopamine deficiency include:
·
depression
·
psychosis, including
hallucinations or delusions
·
Parkinson's disease
In
Parkinson's disease, there is a loss of the nerve cells in a specific part of
the brain and loss of dopamine in the same area.
It
is also thought that drug abuse can affect dopamine levels. Studies have shown
that repeated drug use could alter the thresholds required for dopamine cell
activation and signalling.
Damage
caused by drug abuse means these thresholds are higher and therefore it is more
difficult for a person to experience the positive effects of dopamine. Drug
abusers have also been shown to have significant decreases in dopamine D2
receptors and dopamine release.
Diets
high in sugar and saturated fats can suppress dopamine, and a lack of protein
in a person's diet could mean they do not have enough l-tyrosine, which is an
amino acid that helps to build dopamine in the body.
One interest study found that people who are obese and
have a certain gene are more likely to be dopamine deficient too.
Diagnosis
There
is no reliable way to directly measure levels of dopamine in a person's brain.
There
are some indirect ways to determine a dopamine level imbalance in the brain.
Doctors can measure the density of dopamine transporters that correlate
positively with nerve cells that use dopamine. This test involves injecting a
radioactive material that binds to dopamine transporters, which doctors can
measure using a camera.
A
doctor will look at a person's symptoms, lifestyle factors, and medical history
to determine if they have a condition related to low levels of dopamine.
Treatment
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help to boost dopamine levels naturally.
Treatment
of dopamine deficiency depends on whether an underlying cause can be found.
If
a person is diagnosed with a mental health condition, such as depression or
schizophrenia, a doctor may prescribe medications to help with the symptoms.
These drugs may include anti-depressants and mood stabilizers.
Ropinirole
and pramipexole can boost dopamine levels and are often prescribed to treat
Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is usually prescribed when Parkinson's is first
diagnosed.
Other
treatments for a dopamine deficiency may include:
·
counseling
·
changes in diet and
lifestyle
·
physical therapy for
muscle stiffness and movement problems
Supplements
to boost levels of vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 essential fatty acids may also help to raise
dopamine levels, but there needs to be more research into whether this is
effective.
Activities
that make a person feel happy and relaxed are also thought to increase dopamine
levels. These may include exercise, therapeutic massage, and meditation.
Dopamine
vs. serotonin
Dopamine
and serotonin are
both naturally occurring chemicals in the body that have roles in a person's
mood and wellbeing.
Serotonin
influences a person's mood and emotions, as well as sleep patterns, appetite,
body temperature, and hormonal activity, such as the menstrual cycle.
Some
researchers believe that low levels of serotonin contribute to depression. The
relationship between serotonin and depression and other mood disorders is
complex and unlikely to be caused by a serotonin imbalance alone.
Additionally,
dopamine affects how a person's moves, but there is no clear link to the role
of serotonin in movement.
Outlook
Dopamine
deficiency can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life,
affecting them both physically and mentally. Many mental health disorders are
linked to low levels of dopamine. Other medical conditions, including
Parkinson's disease, have also been linked to low dopamine.
There
is limited evidence that diet and lifestyle can affect the levels of dopamine a
person creates and transmits in their body. Certain medications and some
therapies may help relieve symptoms, but a person should always speak to a
doctor first if they are concerned about their dopamine levels.
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