Serotonin vs. Dopamine: What Are the Differences?

According to National Geographic, the human brain is the most complex structure in the entire universe. Scientists are still far from fully understanding how it operates.

There are around 86 billion neurons in the human brain. One way that these nerve cells talk to other cells is through neurotransmitters. Both dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters responsible for communication between neurons and other cells.

Although they are similar, there are some key differences between these two neurotransmitters. To learn more about serotonin vs. dopamine, check out the information below.

What Is a Neurotransmitter?

First, let’s understand what a neurotransmitter is. This is the role of both dopamine and serotonin in the body. Neurotransmitters

What Is Serotonin?

The chemical name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Its functions in the body are cognitive, emotional, and physical. It is responsible for things like:

• Pain
• Mood
• Sleep
• Learning
• Memory

It also does other complex jobs like regulating bone mass and gastrointestinal functions. These neurotransmitters are complex and very busy.

What Is Dopamine?

The chemical name for dopamine is 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine. This neurotransmitter is often responsible for drug addiction and is labeled as a pleasure chemical. Just look up the limerence meaning, the sensation of being madly in love, and you’ll find dopamine is thought to be responsible for it.

Like serotonin, it is responsible for a sense of reward and satisfaction. It can affect your mood and motivation. Dopamine also has physiological roles as well, doing things like vasodilation and protecting intestinal mucosa.

Serotonin vs. Dopamine

Both serotonin and dopamine can bring us positive feelings of contentment and happiness. However, their role in the body is much more broad and complex. The main difference between serotonin and dopamine is not only their unique chemical composition but their specific roles in the body.

Causes of Imbalance

Either too much or too little production of these neurotransmitters can cause an imbalance that affects bodily functions. Some things that can cause an imbalance include:

• Hormonal changes
• Exposure to toxins
• Poor nutrition
• High stress
• Genetics
• Drugs

Some of these causes are within our control, but others are not. Working with a medical professional helps to eliminate these causes one by one until the one causing the imbalance is revealed.

Supporting Neurotransmitter Production

There are natural ways to encourage both serotonin and dopamine production. These methods include:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Sun exposure
• Stress management

In terms of diet, coffee can increase body serotonin and dopamine production. However, the body becomes dependent on it and levels may decrease if coffee consumption decreases. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also boost serotonin levels.

Understanding Your Neurotransmitters

Learning about serotonin vs. dopamine makes it clear that, although they are similar, they serve different functions in the body. However, these functions are essential to our well-being.

If you found this guide interesting, take a moment to browse the other articles on our page.