The body has a strategic balance that it must maintain in order to operate properly.

When there is too little or too much of something, things begin to happen making the person aware that something is not right. Dopamine is an example of that balance. If the body does not have the correct amount there will be negative repercussions. Read more: Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561783_dopaminedeficiency-symptoms.html#ixzz2PlxiyGOf Definition / Identification The job of a neurotransmitter is to transport messages from one brain cell to the other. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that is specifically tied to the controlling of movement and emotions. Therefore, when the balance of dopamine is off, there are mental and physical effects that can be life altering. When too much dopamine is in the body the result can be schizophrenia. Too little dopamine also has extremely negative effects. Read more: Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561783_dopaminedeficiency-symptoms.html#ixzz2PlxzKilV Causes Parkinson's disease, vitamin deficiencies, problems with other body systems, and thyroid problems are just some of the reasons that someone might develop low dopamine. Environmental causes such as lack of sleep and stress can also cause a dopamine deficiency. Exposure to lead, arsenic and cadmium are other potential reasons. Some of these have simple solutions such as changing day-today activities while others require more complex solutions such as daily medications. Read more: Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561783_dopaminedeficiency-symptoms.html#ixzz2Ply5zQcC

Symptoms

Dopamine deficiency can result in simple to complex symptoms. People often appear depressed. Signs of depression are lack of interest in their lives, no motivation, procrastination and the inability to feel pleasure. They sleep a lot and have difficulty getting up in the morning. Other symptoms of low dopamine are being more likely to form addictions, a need for caffeine or other stimulants, and gaining weight.

Read more: Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561783_dopaminedeficiency-symptoms.html#ixzz2PlyEJVRo Low Dopamine symptoms Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, can affect parts of the brain. Often associated with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, dopamine levels can affect more than a person's mood. Movement and motor control, attention and other functions are all affected by dopamine levels, and if there isn't enough dopamine, then some symptoms will become very noticeable. Read more: Low Dopamine Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5394308_low-dopaminesymptoms.html#ixzz2Plyqx7Un

Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical known as a neurotransmitter that's formed in the brain. It's created through the decarboxylation of dopa, and it's considered essential for proper brain and central nervous system function. Dopamine is also associated with a person's mood and cognitive qualities such as attention.

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Attention Span

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) are both associated with low levels of dopamine present in the brain. Dopamine assists with a person's concentration, and low levels of it cause concentration to weaken.

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Motor Control

Dopamine is also important for muscle control and making sure that messages are properly sent through the central nervous system. A lack of dopamine can lead to a person walking strangely, having trouble with fine motor control in their hands and general issues with balance.

Tremors

One of the most marked signs of low dopamine levels is tremors in the body. Parkinson's disease, which has characteristic trembling of the hands, is associated with very low levels of dopamine in the brain.

Muscle Pain

A low level of dopamine in the brain can also cause muscle pain in the rest of the body. Muscles feel stiff, achy and rigid for no reason. This symptom is usually in addition to the other cognitive and motor function impairments.

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What food boost dopamine ?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the feelings of pleasure, attachment and love, as well as appetite control and focus. People with low levels of dopamine may experience depression or distractedness. The chemical is released by pleasurable activities, such as sex. Some foods can also regulate and increase dopamine in the body and the brain. Read more: What Foods Boost Dopamine? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5527080_foods-boostdopamine.html#ixzz2Plzhbim0

Protein

Many amino acids can boost dopamine levels and foods in the protein group contain many complete amino acids. Chicken and eggs can boost dopamine in a way that combats depression. Other high protein foods such as cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt and nuts also provide the amino acids that are responsible for boosting dopamine. This can also boost your energy.

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Antioxidants

Many foods rich in antioxidants contain chemicals that can be converted into dopamine. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources. Some that are especially effective include apples, avocados, bananas, beets and watermelon. Watermelon also contains the vitamin B6, which increases the production of dopamine.

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Seafood

Most seafood is high in protein, which can increase dopamine. These proteins can usually be easily digested. In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can also increase receptors for dopamine in the brain. Mackerel, tuna, salmon, rainbow trout, sardines, striped bass and halibut all provide many of the nutrients needed.

Foods to Avoid

Foods high in sugar, cholesterol and saturated fats can lower your levels of dopamine. While these foods may produce a temporary feeling of satisfaction, they interfere with proper brain function and so the production of dopamine. Your eating habits closely correlate with your mood, so picking fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods with high nutritional value will not only keep you slimmer, it'll keep your mood more balanced and you feeling better.

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How to boost dopamine ?

Dopamine and norepinephrine are both excitatory neurotransmitters that are important in your alertness, motivation, memory and concentration. Dopamine has several functions in your brain and has an impact on your behavior, cognition, motivation, voluntary movement, mood, sleep, learning and attention. When your brain produces enough dopamine, you feel pleasure, bliss and, sometimes, euphoria. There are a few ways to boost dopamine levels in your brain; the method that is the best depends on what works for you and how your body responds to the techniques. Read more: What Is the Best Way to Boost Dopamine in the Brain? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5769612_way-boost-dopamine-brain_.html#ixzz2Pm0SWabQ

Exercise

According to a study, "Exercise Decreases Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Restores Renal Dopamine D1 Receptor Function in Old Rats," published in the American Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology in 2007, exercise can help raise dopamine levels. The study, conducted by physicians from the Heart and Kidney Institute at the University of Houston found that exercise could not only raise dopamine levels, but could also restore dopamine receptor functions in elderly rats. Aerboic exercise is the most common exercise that can be performed to boost dopamine levels. Aerobic exercise may even help prevent cases of depression--which is sometimes caused by a chemical imbalance and low dopamine levels--by increasing dopamine levels.

Food

There are certain foods that can also naturally increase dopamine. Beets contains the amino acid betaine, which is an antidepressant. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007, the betaine acts as a stimulant in the production of S-adenosylmethionine or SAM-e. The SAM-e is linked to the production of hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. A study titled "Essential Amino Acids Affect Interstitial Dopamine Metabolites in the Anterior Piriform Cortex of Rats" published in the Journal of Nutrition in 1999, also suggests that foods rich in certain amino acids can help to boost dopamines. Bananas are great sources of tyrosine, which is another type of amino acid. Its neurons turn into dopamine and norepinephrine. Cheese is a recognized form of protein food. This same study suggests that proteins, which are composed of amino acids, can also aid in the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. Chicken also contains proteins that promote the increase in the levels of the excitatory neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also a great source of coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) that also boosts the energy-generating potential of certain neurons. Beans and legumes are nutritious proteins that can boost your health as well as levels of dopamine. Other meats, cheeses, fish, eggs, and seafood are all high in protein, are nutritious, and are all dopamine-boosters. Finally, watermelon may help. The juice from a watermelon is fat-free and full of vitamins A, B6, and C. Vitamin B6 is used by your body in the manufacturing of neurotransmitters such as melatonin, serotonin and dopamine. Vitamin C on the other hand, enhances your immune system while safeguarding your body against free radicals.

Supplements

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, taking vitamin supplements can also help increase dopamine levels. Include vitamin B12, folic acid (vitamin B9), omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6 in your supplements. The American Journal of Psychiatry in 1997 published a study titled "Folate, Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine in Major Depressive Disorder," which showed that deficiencies in these vitamins are common in those who are depressed.

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Effects of Dopamine
Dopamine is a chemical produced by the body to convey messages between neurons in the brain. An increased flow of dopamine is detected during pleasurable activities such as eating and drinking, and there is a decreased flow if the person is stressed or anxious. Read more: The Effects of Dopamine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5479858_effectsdopamine.html#ixzz2Pm0xltkO

Low Levels

Low levels of dopamine make it difficult to focus on a task or to follow a simple conversation, while extremely low levels are known to trigger Parkinson's disease. ADHD is also associated with low levels.

Mild Elevations

Addictive substances such as nicotine and cocaine increase dopamine levels and give one a sense of euphoria. Overuse of the addictive substances causes excessive stimulation and the frenetic activity level often associated with drug abusers.
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Moderately High Levels

Moderately high levels of dopamine trigger unfounded suspicious thoughts about normal, everyday occurrences. Two people seen speaking together may be perceived to be talking about the person with moderately high dopamine levels.

High Levels

High levels of dopamine trigger paranoid thoughts, persecution complex and delusions of grandeur. The person may lose touch with reality.

Addictions

With the advent of drugs able to adjust dopamine levels, doctors now have a powerful new tool to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, drug and nicotine addictions and ADHD.

Read more: The Effects of Dopamine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5479858_effectsdopamine.html#ixzz2Pm1G60rg

Function of Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced by the hypothalamus and has many natural functions. It can also be synthesized and taken as a medication to treat specific conditions, especially neurological disorders. Read more: What Is the Function of Dopamine? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5607477_functiondopamine_.html#ixzz2Pm1RFsi5

Prolactin

The release of dopamine inhibits the release of prolactin by the anterior pituitary lobe of the hypothalamus. This hormone is primarily responsible for causing lactation.

Precursor
o

Dopamine is needed to produce epinephrine and norepinephrine. These compounds are hormones that serve a variety of functions, such as the "fight or flight" response.
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Pleasure

Dopamine causes feelings of pleasure and is released by rewarding experiences such as food and sex. This function of dopamine is essential in causing survival-oriented behavior.

Cognitive Functions

Proper dopamine levels are required to maintain good cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and problem-solving. This function makes dopamine useful in treating attention deficit disorder.

Parkinson's Disease

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be relieved by increasing the level of dopamine in these patients. Dopamine used for this purpose must be administered in the form of L-DOPA in order to cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms

The body has a strategic balance that it must maintain in order to operate properly. When there is too little or too much of something, things begin to happen making the person aware that something is not right. Dopamine is an example of that balance. If the body does not have the correct amount there will be negative repercussions. Read more: Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561783_dopaminedeficiency-symptoms.html#ixzz2Pm1w5T7x

identification

The job of a neurotransmitter is to transport messages from one brain cell to the other. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that is specifically tied to the controlling of movement and emotions. Therefore, when the balance of dopamine is off, there are mental and physical effects that can be life altering. When too much dopamine is in the body the result can be schizophrenia. Too little dopamine also has extremely negative effects.

Read more: Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5561783_dopaminedeficiency-symptoms.html#ixzz2Pm26uH5R

Dopamine and schizophrenia

Estimates of the prevalence of schizophrenia vary between 0.4% and 1.7%. Schizophrenia is the most common of the many psychotic disorders, which include schizoaffective disorder (~0.3%), major depressive disorder with psychotic features (~0.4%), substance-induced psychotic disorders (~0.4%) and psychotic disorders due to a general medical condition (~0.2%). Although the abnormalities in brain development associated with schizophrenia may begin in utero, childhood-onset schizophrenia is relatively uncommon. Typically, the symptoms of schizophrenia emerge gradually during the teenage years, with affected individuals meeting the criteria for diagnosis in the late teenage years or early twenties. The protective effect of estrogen may delay its onset in women (M.V. Seeman and Lang, 1990). However, there are some patients who will have their first episode of illness in the fourth or fifth decade of life. The signs and symptoms of schizophrenia generally include the so-called negative signs such as self-isolation and withdrawal from family and friends, and the positive symptoms such as apparently bizarre and unexplainable behaviour, and hallucinations and delusions. The currently used antipsychotics alleviate most of the symptoms, but approximately 20% of symptoms such as apathy, lack of ambition, memory and interpersonal difficulties, are often resistant to antipsychotics.

How to produce dopamine ?

Proneness to depression, lack of energy and poor coordination are results of a low dopamine level. Dopamine is a hormone produced by the body to transmit nerve impulses to brain cells. When dopamine supplies are running low or fail to remain therapeutic, the body will respond in several ways. Richard Depue, Ph.D., a Cornell Clinical psychologist, says that low dopamine levels contribute to the desire to partake in certain street drugs and activities. For various reasons, dopamine supplies in the brain run low, altering the mental state and nervous system. Fortunately, there are ways to increase levels of dopamine conveyed to the brain. Read more: How to Produce Dopamine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5747571_producedopamine.html#ixzz2Pm3ZbbVl

Instructions
1. o

Avoid drugs and alcohol. Engaging in the recreational use of drugs and alcohol limits the body's ability to produce dopamine on its own. This is due to the body becoming dependent on the artificial dopamine created by the drugs and alcohol. Refraining from such substances will allow your body to naturally produce dopamine for the brain.
o

Choose the right foods. Dopamine and other neurotransmitters are greatly affected by the foods you eat. Fruits and high-protein foods assist in producing dopamine for the brain. Foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates have a negative effect on serotonin, which in return decreases dopamine levels. According to TheThinkingBusiness.com, amino acids are needed to produce dopamine; therefore, foods rich in amino acids should assist with dopamine production.
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Use the powers of the mind. Meditation is believed to be the "brain's own medicine." Both spiritually and culturally, meditation has been known to calm and regulate acts of the mind. Meditation is associated with increased dopamine levels in the body. As per "Psychiatry 2009," this is why one becomes energized and happy shortly after yoga or meditating.
o

4
Most supplements that help relieve symptoms of depression usually assist with increasing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are produced more naturally when certain supplements are in your system. Amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, sam-e and folic acid help prevent dopamine deficiency.

For women, estrogen plays a major part in dopamine deficiency. Lack of estrogen can lead to damage to the dopamine cells in the brain. Csaba Leranth, M.D., professor of OB/GYN and neurobiology, says that 30 percent of all dopamines are no longer produced in the brain without estrogen. This can cause menopausal women to develop Parkinson's disease and other disorders. Enhancing the body's ability to produce more estrogen will in return produce more dopamine, preventing a deficiency of any kind.

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How to test dopamine and serotonin level ?

Neurotransmitters are used to pass messages along through the body and the brain. Two of these neurotransmitters are called serotonin and dopamine. Both are stored in brain cells. While serotonin helps us feel good, happy, and stable, dopamine is associated with your mental alertness, concentration, energy, sex drive and motivation. When either of these levels is too low, you may need medication. Read more: How to Test Dopamine & Serotonin Levels | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6933073_test-dopamine-_amp_-serotonin-levels.html#ixzz2Pm476skv

Instructions
1. o

Decide why you feel you need to have the levels checked. Are you currently on medication and want to see if your dopamine and serotonin levels are responding? Are you just curious? Your doctor has a responsibility to order tests that are billed to insurance only if he feels the tests are medically necessary.
o o

Schedule an appointment with your physician.

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3
Discuss your concerns with the physician. If the physician's office offers lab services, your blood can be drawn at the office. Otherwise, you will have to go to a lab to have your blood drawn.

The lab will send the results of your tests to your physician's office. Either the doctor or his staff will contact you with the results. If the levels are abnormal, you may need to schedule a repeat visit to discuss the results in detail.

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How to measure dopamine ?

Dopamine acts as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone in your body and is one of a category of such molecules that are known as catecholamines. It is associated with a wide range of activities in your body, including motor control, anxiety and motivation (or as the American Psychological Association describes it, the feeling of "wanting"). Dopamine is usually measured by blood test. Read more: How to Measure Dopamine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5766116_measuredopamine.html#ixzz2Pm4lSPgV

Instructions
1. o

1
Make an appointment for a catecholamines test. Your doctor may draw the blood for these tests on site or he may refer you to another lab.

Prepare for the blood test. Stress, exercise and certain foods and medications can interfere with your test results. Your doctor or the lab will let you know what activities, foods and medications to avoid and for how long before your test.
o o

Take the test and get the results. Dopamine is linked to epinephrine and the level of epinephrine in the blood is taken as an indication of dopamine measurements. The target number is 20 nanograms per milliliter. Given the varied role dopamine plays in your body, an abnormal test does not clearly correspond to any one specific condition. Your doctor will work with you to develop next steps based on your other symptoms.

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What Are the Causes of Low Dopamine Level?

Read more: What Are the Causes of Low Dopamine Level? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5705521_causes-low-dopamine-level_.html#ixzz2Pm5NjVHn Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced by the body. It functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a major role in the feelings of addiction and excitement, memory, and motor control. When levels are low, it causes health issues.

Read more: What Are the Causes of Low Dopamine Level? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5705521_causes-low-dopamine-level_.html#ixzz2Pm5KqF3u

The Facts

Dopamine levels drop due to stress, certain antidepressants, drug/alcohol use, poor nutrition, poor sleep, caffeine, and sugar.

Significance
o

Low dopamine levels may be implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease.
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Identification

Symptoms of low dopamine levels include apathy, depression, low mental and physical energy, difficulty focusing on tasks, and feeling cold.

Prevention/Solution

Dopamine levels can be increased through diet. This can be done with almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Exercise

Studies have shown that exercise can increase the release of dopamine and raise the number of dopamine receptors.

Read more: What Are the Causes of Low Dopamine Level? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5705521_causes-low-dopamine-level_.html#ixzz2Pm5cYYZg

Schizophrenia and Dopamine Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that is marked by loss of touch with reality, thought to result from an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Dopamine, along with seratonin and glutamate, are neurotransmitters that carry impulses to and from the brain's neurons.

It is believed that schizophrenia may be a genetic disease that can begin in utero, and may not manifest until puberty and beyond. Although this disorder is rare in children, it does occur and is more severe when diagnosed in young children. While genetics can certainly be a contributor, there is evidence that suggests that an imbalance of dopamine in the brain causes the psychotic episodes. The Dopamine Hypothesis: An imbalance in the levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain may have a responsibility in the development of schizophrenia. It is possible, according to the dopamine hypothesis, that the behaviors exhibited in schizophrenia may be due

to an overabundance of dopamine in certain areas of the brain, causing the psychosis. Newer evidence may invalidate dopamine hypothesis: Evidence has shown that certain drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine, increase the level of dopamine in the brain and can mimic the psychosis present in schizophrenia. Patients diagnosed with this brain disorder experienced an increase in psychotic episodes when given moderate dosages of methylphenidate or amphetamine. Subsequent studies conducted revealed that drugs blocking dopamine receptors did not reduce psychosis symptoms, particularly in patients who had psychosis for up to 30 years. This finding runs contrary to the data gathered in the formation of the dopamine hypothesis. However, while dopamine inhibiting drugs lowered dopamine levels quickly, it took several days for an improvement of symptoms to occur. Other possible causes of schizophrenia: Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain is also thought to have an impact on schizophrenia. In addition, there is evidence that suggest brain anomalies, such as density changes in grey matter of the frontal and temporal lobes may play a role, as well as social and environmental triggers have been found to be factors in the psychotic episodes of this disease. Suffice it to say, with all the evidence presented from the clinical studies, schizophrenia has multiple causes to include:

Neurotransmitter imbalance

Brain anomalies

Abuse of certain drugs

Genetics

Social and environmental triggers

According to psychiatrist David Healy, big pharma has promoted the dopamine hypothesis solely for the purpose of making money.

by Barb Hicks, RN