Dopamine deficiency: symptoms
Dopamine is one of the most important transmitters in the brain. It is formed in the so-called dopaminergic nerve cells (neurons) from the amino acid tyrosine and ensures targeted control of movements. If the movement impulses are not transmitted or are only transmitted very slowly due to a dopamine deficiency, the following symptoms can occur:
- Trembling (tremor)
- Muscle stiffness (rigor)
- Unsteady gait and stance (postural instability)
- Slowing of voluntary motor skills (bradykinesia)
A lack of dopamine can also have devastating consequences for the brain’s so-called reward system and other important brain functions. Dopamine plays a central role not only for memory, but also for mental health. If the dopamine receptors are no longer sufficiently stimulated, motivation, drive and attention suffer. Similar symptoms also occur after drug abuse if the receptors have previously been flooded with dopamine and therefore react less sensitively afterwards:
- depression
- Lack of desire and drive (anhedonia)
- Attention deficit disorder
Outside the brain, dopamine causes the blood vessels in the abdomen and kidneys to dilate and promotes blood circulation. The sympathetic nervous system is also stimulated and regulated. Possible consequences of a severe dopamine deficiency in these areas are therefore
- Swallowing disorders
- uncontrolled sweating
- Bladder emptying disorders
Dopamine deficiency: causes
Dopamine deficiency can be caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the brain, which reduces the production of the neurotransmitter. If more than half of the neurons have died, the first symptoms of dopamine deficiency appear. This is referred to as Parkinson’s syndrome or Parkinson’s disease, also known as “shaking disease”. Women and men are equally affected. The peak incidence is between the ages of 50 and 60.
Drug use can also cause a dopamine deficiency: The abuse of drugs such as cocaine leads to a short-term inhibition of the reuptake of dopamine, so that the neurotransmitter is effective for longer. The receptors are overstimulated as a result and sometimes even broken down so that the body can protect itself from the excess dopamine. If the dopamine level drops again, the receptors require a larger amount of the transmitter for stimulation, resulting in a relative lack of dopamine. At the same time, fewer receptors are available to transmit the signal. This manifests itself in withdrawal symptoms with restlessness and irritability.
It is also important to get enough amino acids from food, which is why malnutrition or fasting can also lead to a dopamine deficiency.
Dopamine deficiency: long-term consequences
According to current studies, the death of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease cannot be stopped, so that the clinical picture becomes increasingly severe and other symptoms are added. The initial movement disorders are joined, for example, by depressive moods and dementia. Special medication is needed to compensate for the lack of dopamine in affected patients.
It is suspected that a dopamine deficiency could also be one of the causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The extent to which the administration of artificial dopamine can help those affected is still unclear according to current studies.
Dopamine deficiency: what can be done about it?
L-dopa is a precursor of dopamine that can enter the brain via the bloodstream. It is one of the most important substitutes for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine-like substances are preferred for younger patients. At the same time, the premature breakdown of the neurotransmitter is prevented with the help of additional medication.
A balanced diet creates the basis for a balanced dopamine balance. Meditation, relaxation exercises or yoga also help to rebalance a dopamine deficiency caused by stress or strain.
