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Dopamine

Meaning

Dopamine is a crucial monoamine neurotransmitter and neurohormone that plays a central role in the brain’s reward system, motivation, and motor control. It is often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical, yet its primary function is mediating the anticipation of pleasure and driving goal-directed behavior. Proper dopaminergic signaling is essential for executive functions, attention, and regulating the pituitary gland’s secretion of prolactin. Imbalances in this powerful chemical are implicated in conditions ranging from Parkinson’s disease to mood disorders and addiction.