Brain’s Dopamine Levels May Determine Individuals’ Work Ethic

Are you a go-getter or slacker? New research from the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that an individual’s willingness to work hard […]

In This Article:

If you need help,
we’re here for you.
Contact us today.

Get Help

100% Confidential
Pasadena Villa
Locations & Programs
Smoky Mountain Lodge
(Sevierville, TN)
Intensive Residential Treatment and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
The Villa Orlando
(Orlando, FL)
Intensive Residential Treatment and PHP
The Stables Autism Program
(Sevierville, TN)
Intensive Residential Treatment

Are you a go-getter or slacker? New research from the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that an individual’s willingness to work hard is determined by the levels of dopamine found in 3 specific areas of the brain.

Using brain-mapping technology, positron emission tomography (PET scan), researchers found that people who work harder for rewards had a higher release of dopamine in the striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex of the brain.

Those who were less willing to work hard for rewards had high dopamine levels in the anterior insula portion of the brain, which controls emotion and risk perception.

Scientists were shocked to find this discovery. It suggests that more dopamine in this area of the brain is associated with laziness and less desire to work, even if it means earning less money.

Learning that high dopamine levels can have opposing effects in different parts of the brain complicates the use of psychotropic medications that affect the treatments of individuals with ADD, depression, and schizophrenia.

The Villa Orlando and Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge are adult intensive psychiatric residential treatment centers for clients with serious mental illnesses. We also provide other individualized therapy programs, step-down residential programs, and less intensive mental health services, such as Community Residential Homes, Supportive Housing, Day Treatment Programs and Life Skills training. Pasadena Villa’s Outpatient Center in Raleigh, North Carolina offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (PHP). If you or someone you know may need mental health services, please complete our contact form or call us at 407-574-5190 for more information.

Sources:

 

If you’re ready to start your recovery, we’re here to help.

Contact us today.

Our treatment centers accept private payment, out-of-network benefits, and in-network benefits.

Our Admissions Team is available at 407.574.5190 to discuss your payment options.

Recent Posts

If you’re ready to take the next step in the recovery process for you or your loved one, the compassionate team at Pasadena Villa is here to help. Give us a call at 407.574.5190 or complete our contact form.

Looking for treatment?

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Get exclusive resources, find inspiration, and grow alongside us. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter now!

X