Posted by PsychoSage on February 13, 2004, at 13:50:20
I am currently examining the dopamine connection to well-being, and I have come to realize what my feelings are, and what dopamine represents.
For the scientifically inclined, here is an article: http://www.wireheading.com/pleasure.html I assume this source is credible. I was not familiar with the publication, but maybe some people can interpret the article and weigh in on how they feel.
I now believe the dopamine is actually heavily on the side of desire and wanting which may or may not lead to pleasure. Of course each system of neurotransmitter overlaps, but evidently pure happiness without a sense of reaching is in the opioid system.
I guess I could analogize it to being pumped up and motivated to win a football game versus the feelings after the victory.
One can be dysphoric with plenty of dopamine, and according to the article, dopamine knock out mice can be happy without the transmitter.
This has many implications for psych drugs, stimulants that are illicit, and our cultural practices with pleasureable goals.
Dopamine leaves us wanting more somehow. Does the body make us happy when it feels a kind of hopefulness from dopamine activation? It is like the pride of creating a good design without caring it out yet. Is dopamine ineffective unless we create memories and attain goals that are worthy to long-term well being and health.
I am hoping we can translate the generalized information we receive into a better idea of how we should regard dopamine since it excites us all!
poster:PsychoSage
thread:312887
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040210/msgs/312887.html