by 
The Curious Bag
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Dopamine, a neurotransmitter present in the brain, ebbs and flows in many people. It exists in the portions of the human brain that control everything from movement to the feeling of pleasure.
Function of Dopamine
Dopamine fuels the area of the brain called the basal ganglia motor loop. The presence of a normal amount of dopamine allows the brain to control everything from movement to feelings of abject pleasure.
Excess Dopamine Levels
Excessive levels of dopamine often cause intense suspicion and paranoia, and it can cause an individual to totally misinterpret environmental experiences.
Causes of Excessive Dopamine
The primary causes of increased dopamine levels are drug abuse, sleep deprivation and excessive stress. Occasionally, the intake of certain foods, such as bananas and some dairy products, can also cause increased levels.
Treatment for Elevated Dopamine
To the extent that elevated dopamine affects an individual's ability to perceive reality, treatment can include the use of anti-psychotic medications, such as droperidol, Phenergan and stelazine.
Considerations
The "dopamine theory of schizophrenia" argues that most cases of this mental illness are caused by higher-than-normal levels of dopamine.
Source:
Womensaccounts.com: Neurotransmitter Levels
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