Comment: New research illuminates crucial links between avoidance behavior and key brain chemicals.

Lay article about research

Date:

April 19, 2018

Source:

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Summary:

Scientists have for the first time found direct causal links between the neurotransmitter dopamine and avoidance — behavior related to pain and fear. Researchers have long known that dopamine plays a key role in driving behavior related to pleasurable goals, such as food, sex and social interaction. In general, increasing dopamine boosts the drive toward these stimuli. But dopamine’s role in allowing organisms to avoid negative events has remained mysterious.