A dopamine release occurs when we explore and evaluate the potential value of novel objects and situations
The mesolimbic pathway and their connections with other brain circuits are also active when we explore novel objects and situations and evaluate them in light of previous reinforcing experiences. In other words, nerve fibers in the ventral tegmental area are triggering dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens when a person needs to know, “Is this new whatever-it-is going to help me or hurt me? Will I like it or not?” The role of the dopamine system in novelty-seeking helps explain why some people are driven to risky behaviors such as street racing. It’s one way to experience the excitement of dopamine release.
References
- Mate, Gabor. (2010). In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts Close Encounters with Addiction Chapter 15. Cocaine, Dopamine, and Candy Bars The Incentive System in Addiction (p. 204). Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books
Metadata
Type:🔴 Tags: Biology / Neuroscience / Biochemistry / Neurochemistry / Neuropsychology Status:☀️