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My likely oversimplified understanding of dopamine is that the brain is constantly simulating the outcomes of possible actions. Simulated actions that result in
by nefitty 5y ago
My likely oversimplified understanding of dopamine is that the brain is constantly simulating the outcomes of possible actions. Simulated actions that result in "success" states generate dopamine, with different pathways generating varying levels at any one time. The pathway that generates the greatest net dopamine is pursued, the realized outcome of which then reinforces/dampens the path's simulation function by generating other neurotransmitters.
- richardatlarge 5y agoan example of the complexity of dopamine: a study allowed animals to self-administer cocaine. Other animals were administered the drug in the brain on the same schedule but without 'choosing' to take it. The findings showed that the areas of the brain affected differed depending on these two conditions. This is a study with rats, and yet the effects of a seemingly small environmental/psychological difference changed everything Another study on electrical brain stimulation showed that while animals would self-administer it, when it was automatically administered, the same animals would respond always to turn it off
- nefitty 5y agoWow, that is weird! What's your favorite book or resource to learn more about the brain? I've looked at the deep end of neuroscience Wiki and it is super overwhelming.
- richardatlarge 5y agoOn the brain itself: Edelman Bright Air, Brilliant Fire: On the Matter of the Mind On brain and drugs: https://www.google.co.nz/amp/s/www.newscientist.com/article/mg19325902-500-the-cult-of-pharmacology-by-richard-degrandpre/amp/ https://www.google.co.nz/amp/s/www.newscientist.com/article/...
- nefitty 5y agoThanks!!