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'''Dopamine''' is a chemical produced by the human body that acts as a [[neurotransmitter]] in the brain. Its chemical formula is (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>-CH<sub>2</sub>-CH<sub>2</sub>-NH<sub>2</sub>) and its chemical name is ''4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol''. Dopamine is abbreviated as DA. The brain contains five types of receptors to which dopamine binds (D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5).
'''Dopamine''' is a chemical produced by the human body that acts as a [[neurotransmitter]] in the brain. Its chemical formula is (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub>-CH<sub>2</sub>-CH<sub>2</sub>-NH<sub>2</sub>) and its chemical name is ''4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol''. Dopamine is abbreviated as DA. The brain contains five types of receptors to which dopamine binds (D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5).
== Reward ==
Dopamine plays an important role in brain reward systems. Actions and substances that increase the amount of DA that is released in the brain are [[reinforcement|reinforcing]]; that is, they result in pleasurable feelings, motivating people to repeat the behavior. Dopamine is released by natural behaviors such as eating and sexual activity, and also by drugs such as [[cocaine]] and [[amphetamine]].
Dopamine plays an important role in brain reward systems. Actions and substances that increase the amount of DA that is released in the brain are [[reinforcement|reinforcing]]; that is, they result in pleasurable feelings, motivating people to repeat the behavior. Dopamine is released by natural behaviors such as eating and sexual activity, and also by drugs such as [[cocaine]] and [[amphetamine]].
== Link to Mental Illness ==
Dopamine has also been linked to mental illness, particularly [[schizophrenia]], which is characterized by [[psychosis|psychotic]] episodes. Studies have shown that drugs which block D2 receptors (preventing dopamine from binding to them) reduce psychotic symptoms, and drugs which increase dopamine relase (e.g., cocaine) can lead to psychotic episodes. Most medications used in [[psychiatry]] to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders work by inhibiting dopaminergic activity.
Dopamine has also been linked to mental illness, particularly [[schizophrenia]], which is characterized by [[psychosis|psychotic]] episodes. Studies have shown that drugs which block D2 receptors (preventing dopamine from binding to them) reduce psychotic symptoms, and drugs which increase dopamine relase (e.g., cocaine) can lead to psychotic episodes. Most medications used in [[psychiatry]] to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders work by inhibiting dopaminergic activity.
== Therapeutic Uses ==
Dopamine is used to increase cardiac output and blood pressure. Levodopa (or L-DOPA), which is a dopamine [[precursor]], is often used to treat Parkinsons' disease.