# Dopamine --- **Dopamine** is a monoamine [[neurotransmitter]] that is plays a role in our mood, our thinking and our planning. It plays a strong role in our reward system, which effects our motivation and learning. Dopamine is released when we receive an unexpected reward; this can be long-term rewards (like earning a degree) as well as short term-rewards. ## Imbalances with Dopamine - increased levels of dopamine can contribute to: - [[mania]] - [[schizophrenia]] - decreased levels of dopamine can contribute to: - [[Parkinson's disease]] - [[depression]] ___