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Dopamine Desensitization

Meaning

Dopamine desensitization refers to a physiological adaptation where the brain’s reward system becomes less responsive to the neurotransmitter dopamine, often as a consequence of sustained or excessive stimulation of dopaminergic pathways. This adaptation involves a reduced capacity of neural circuits to register and respond to dopamine’s signaling, leading to a diminished experience of pleasure or motivation from previously rewarding stimuli.