High Dopamine Levels Linked To Risk-Taking, Addiction
(London) -- A new study indicates people with high levels of the hormone dopamine may take bigger risks and be more prone to various addictions. The finding could lead to new prevention and treatment methods for drug abuse or gambling addiction. A Danish scientist involved in the study says the result also could help improve drug treatment of conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. Dopamine helps regulate feelings such as gratification or pleasure in humans. The researchers said using brain scans, they found people with more dopamine tend to have less sensitivity to it. Their findings also suggest raising or lowering levels of the hormone itself, rather than blocking dopamine receptors in the brain with medication, may yield better treatment results. |