Can Neurotransmitters Explain Human Motivation?

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In summary, neurotransmitters and receptors play a crucial role in motivation and addiction. Chronic exposure to drugs can alter the balance of these chemicals in the brain, leading to changes in nerve signal relay and causing a desire for more drugs. This can be seen in withdrawal symptoms experienced by drug abusers. Other forms of motivation may also involve changes in brain chemistry.
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heman
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I just wanted to know that Brain 's which part motivates the Human and how does it do it...
 
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i know u all know but who will motivate u to answer me ...i guess...
 
  • #3
heman said:
i know u all know but who will motivate u to answer me ...i guess...

Well, I don't know about motivation in general but I do know a little about neurotransmitters and drug addiction:

We have a nice balance between neurotransmitters released in the pre-synaptic neurons with the corresponding receptors in the post-synaptic neuron. The relative "abundance" of neurotransmitters and receptor molecules can change, for example by the presence of drugs which mimic neurotransmitters. Chronic exposure to these drugs in the synapse can cause either the availability of neurotransmitter to decline or receptor molecules to decline since the drug "hyper-activates" the synapse. The neurons "adapts" to this by reducing the number of receptors or neurotransmitter molecules available to the synapse.

Now imagine removing the drug. The synapse now has a deficiency of chemical transmitters.

Because of this, the "efficiency" of nerve signal relay within the synapse is degraded causing "fatigue" of one sort or another. This "motivates" the drug abuser to seek more drugs in an effort to re-establish prior synaptic flow and is a significant factor in the "withdrawal" symptoms they experience when getting off of drugs.

Perhaps other forms of "motivation" can likewise be described in terms of synaptic neurophysiology.
 

1. What part of the brain is responsible for motivation?

The hypothalamus is the primary region of the brain responsible for motivation. It helps regulate basic bodily functions, such as hunger, thirst, and sleep, which are essential for survival and can influence our motivation to seek out these necessities.

2. How does the reward system in the brain impact motivation?

The reward system in the brain, particularly the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area, plays a crucial role in motivation. When we experience something rewarding, such as food or social interaction, these regions release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that signals pleasure and reinforces our behavior, increasing our motivation to seek out similar rewards in the future.

3. Can motivation be influenced by the prefrontal cortex?

Yes, the prefrontal cortex, the front region of the brain, is involved in motivation by weighing the potential costs and benefits of our actions. It helps us make decisions and plan for the future, which can impact our motivation to pursue certain goals or tasks.

4. Is there a difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the brain?

Yes, there is a difference in the brain's response to intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation, which comes from within, activates the brain's reward system, while extrinsic motivation, which comes from external sources, activates the prefrontal cortex. This difference may explain why intrinsic motivation tends to be more enduring and fulfilling compared to extrinsic motivation.

5. Can motivation be improved or enhanced?

Yes, motivation can be improved or enhanced through various strategies, such as setting achievable goals, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and finding meaning and purpose in what we do. Additionally, activities like exercise and proper nutrition can also positively impact our brain's motivation centers.

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