Posted by JackD on July 22, 2001, at 5:49:38
In reply to Dopamine function in Social Phobia, posted by Else on July 20, 2001, at 17:14:22
I haven't read any of the responses to your post, so forgive me if I'm being repetitive (I'm too tired now to read through them all). I too have found significant dopamine function in SP related problems; especially from tinkering with my own brain. Now, I have ADD, and that is usually from a lack of Dopamine among other things, and that basically makes your brain constantly seek stimuli, such as from day-dreaming or hyperactivity (which can manifest itself as introversion). When I take (abuse... sigh...) Ritalin, it makes me MUCH more confident and social.
Here's my very superficial narrow rundown:
Serotonin: Affects other neurotransmitter systems by sending "chill out!" messages, err..., disinhibiting messages. Makes me feel fearless and less emotional. Also increases desire to be sociable; I call it the "touchy-feely" neurotransmitter.
Dopamine: Enhances/Magnifies behavior; ticks, habits, etc are worsened. General behavior and behavioral traits magnified. Affects drive, work capacity, and DEFINITELY confidence. In high doses in itself, leads to separation from friends (no need for them!, or so you feel), selfishness, and anger (as I said it magnifies behavior); I call it the "selfish" neurotransmitter.
Norepinepherine: Hmmmmm....... haven't been able to discriminate it's unique effects. Supposedly affects ability to handle stress, motivation, and generally affecsts (enhances?) all the other neurotransmitters.
GABA: Numbs the mind. Dims the lights. Takes the edge off. Disinhibiting. Similar to being in a slightly dumbed down alcoholic stupor. Great for anxiety. With me, the poor memory and any negative cognitive side effects were soon overcome or I learned to handle them accordingly (Like an alcoholic, they still feel drunk and nice for the most part when they're drunk, yet many learn how to think "sober" while drunk... some to the point you won't even know when they're intoxicated).
Well, hope that helps. Remember, this is just from my experience. Oh, so back to the point... I think the reason many people that are SP drink, such as myself, is that it not only affects GABA and Seratonin, (as well as Opiods but just forget that for arguments sake) it also raises dopamine levels significantly. That's a perfect combo for SP's; disinhibition, less fear, more social desire, confidence!
poster:JackD
thread:71110
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010720/msgs/71313.html