Why is dopamine a crucial factor in problem solving?

It’s important because it is the promise of that feeling of happiness that will allow us to solve the problem more quickly and effectively. By focusing on the possible solution, our mind will see ways and answers that it would not see if it is panicking just looking at the problematic part of the situation.

How is it generated?

Dopamine is produced in many parts of the nervous system, especially in the substantia nigra. 

Dopamine is also a neurohormone released by the hypothalamus, where its main function is to inhibit  the release of prolactin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary.

• Mood regulation: our mood depends largely on the levels of this neurotransmitter, hence dopamine is considered the molecule of happiness. It is linked to pleasure and all positive sensations such as well-being, joy, euphoria, etc. It stimulates us to carry out or seek pleasant situations and activities. It can also lead to addictive problems.

• Locomotor function: neurotransmitters allow information from the brain to reach the muscles, allowing us to walk, run, jump and everything related to the locomotor system.

• Muscle function: in the same way, information from the brain reaches the muscles, which will allow us to exert force to pick up objects, lift them, use devices, etc

• Sleep regulation: allows you to regulate sleep cycles by adjusting the biological clock, controlling that dopamine levels are in line with the time of day we are in order to stay awake or by providing the need to sleep.

• Regulation of cardiac activity: thanks to dopamine, blood pressure and heart rate remain at optimal levels of well-being.

• Regulation of learning and memory: makes the information received remain in long-term memory and do not forget what makes learning possible.

• Impact on creativity: according to a study, when the density of neuronal receptors is lower in the thalamus area (central area of the base of the brain) it corresponds to a greater tendency to creativity.

• Body weight regulation: people with lower dopamine receptors tend to ingest more amounts of dopamine to achieve the level of personal satisfaction that would lead to overweight.

• Regulation of sociability: the production of dopamine influences the way we relate to others. When there is an alteration in its production both by excess and by default, disorders such as schizophrenia, social phobias, bipolar disorder, ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder), antisociability, etc. arise.

• Personality development: it has been observed that people with a higher level of dopamine are more fearful and stress more easily than those with a lower level, who live situations more calmly and have more self-confidence.

• Need for strong emotions: all situations that generate strong emotions such as bungee jumping, parachuting, horror activities, etc., generate high peaks of dopamine that later leave a feeling of relaxation and well-being