Dopamine

A neurotransmitter: a chemical messenger that carries signals between neurons and is involved in functions including movement, attention, emotion and perception.

A chemical messenger involved in reward, motivation and learning, among other functions.

Dopamine reward systems provide another connection. These are neural pathways involved in the rewarding effects of experiences and in learning to repeat rewarding behaviour. Extraverts may respond more strongly to rewards, making excitement, money or status particularly attractive.

Explain the dopamine mechanism as a chain: frequent dopaminergic signalling → increased dopamine release and receptor binding → disrupted brain messages → symptoms.

A monoamine neurotransmitter involved in processes including attention and the regulation of brain activity.

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OCR GCSE Psychology · J203

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Definition

How each exam board covers it

OCR GCSE Psychology · J203

Exam tips

Related key terms

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