What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Dopamine
Dec 9, 2025
Professor Masud Husain, a neurologist from the University of Oxford, dives into the intriguing world of dopamine. He reveals how dopamine drives motivation but is not the same as pleasure. Masud discusses the effects of dopamine disruptions, such as in Parkinson's, and the surprising link between apathy and various neurodegenerative diseases. He emphasizes the delicate balance of dopamine levels and the complexities of treatment, including the potential for compulsive behaviors. A fascinating exploration of our brain's motivation system!
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Dopamine Motivates Seeking, Not Pleasure
- Pleasure itself is not produced by dopamine; dopamine seems to signal prediction and motivate seeking of rewards.
- Dopamine spikes link new pleasure to future cue-driven pursuit rather than the hedonic experience itself.
Stroke Erased Motivation — Drug Restored Life
- Masud Husain describes a man in his 30s who became profoundly apathetic after small strokes to the basal ganglia.
- A dopamine receptor drug restored his motivation, grooming, job and relationship within months.
How Scientists Measure Dopamine Changes
- Researchers measure dopamine in animals with specialised electrodes and in humans with PET ligands that track receptor occupancy.
- Use combined electrical, fluid and PET approaches to infer dopamine surges during unexpected rewards.