A 39-year-old member asked:
does the neurotransmitter dopamine have something to do with creativity?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Not specifically: Creativity is not from a single neurotransmitter, but is a complicated process involving a whole person and his/her entire brain. For instance, when we're very anxious, our creativity suffers because our alarm system amygdala is in charge -- we're just trying to survive. When we can relax, we see more possibilities, & find creative solutions. Our prefrontal cortex -- & more -- activate!
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Satinoveranswered
Psychiatry 39 years experience
Some research: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100518064610.htm some connection between d2 system in highly creative people and in schizophrenia--surprising, as the relation between bipolar and creativity is known. But "studies have shown that Dopamine receptor genes are linked to ability for divergent thought" facility with metaphors perhaps in common--but in schiz. The metaphors are idiosyncratic.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
2 comments
Dr. Pamela Pappas commented
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Interesting study here, Dr. Satinover -- thanks for posting. The so-called "dopamine hypothesis" of schizophrenia suggests that a too-high level of dopamine in the brain is related to psychotic symptoms, but here there is less density of D2 receptors in a thalamic gating area of schizophrenic and creative people. Underscores that it's not a particular neurotransmitter responsible for creativity, but perhaps more a working together of many factors. "Idiosyncratic" people may also be creative, no? How this shades into illness is an important and puzzling question.
Mar 5, 2013
Dr. Jeffrey Satinover commented
Psychiatry 39 years experience
Provided original answer
Agree fully. No way a single NT could be responsible for so encompassing a phenomenon. "Idiosyncratic" here meaning so pvt, self-referent
Mar 5, 2013
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Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
is there a period of dopamine loss or disease process going on before symptoms occur?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Glen Elliottanswered
Child Psychiatry 43 years experience
Question unclear: Dopamine in the brain is associated with several disorders, most clearly Parkinson's disease. The question does not state what disorder is the topic of interest. Schizophrenia and adhd also are thought to involved Dopamine systems, but there is no evidence to suggest that either really are a direct result of Dopamine loss, just that medications may work through dopamine.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 34-year-old member asked:
What does a low plasma dopamine mean?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Christopher Nicoraanswered
Internal Medicine 24 years experience
Dopamine: Low levels of the neurotransmitter Dopamine in the blood.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TX
A 51-year-old member asked:
How do I manage a dopamine gtt?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Goldsmithanswered
Specializes in Critical Care
Close monitoring: Dopamine is an older vasopressin that acts on dopamine, alpha, and beta receptors. It was thought, although not supported by literature, that a low doses (less than 5 mcg/kg/min) it increases urine output. At moderate doses (5-10mcg/kg/min) it effects the beta receptors which increase heart rate at high dose( > 10 mcg/kg/min) it effects the Alpha receptors which increase blood pressure.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
What are the food sources of dopamine?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Christopher Breenanswered
General Practice 9 years experience
Most food sources: Dopamine by itself is not found in any food sources but there are two Amino Acids that are converted to Dopamine in the body. Look for foods with phenylananine and tyrosine in them, though this is not very difficult to find. Most meats, dairy, and grains are high in both of these amino acids.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
How long until dopamine levels go back to normal, when you start dating somebody new?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Rosenthalanswered
Pain Management 36 years experience
Unknown: Change in Dopamine levels have not been measured in relation to dating.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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