What are the signs of a lack of serotonin and dopamine? Deficits in serotonin and dopamine can cause a host of signs and symptoms, including depressed mood, fatigue, lack of motivation, decreased sex drive, and difficulty concentrating.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow nerves to communicate with each other or with other structures in your body. Two common neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, act on similar parts of the body but have different effects.
This article discusses dopamine and serotonin functions, as well as the similarities and differences between these two neurotransmitters.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
Differences Between Serotonin and Dopamine
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter that is produced in the part of your brain stem called the Raphe nuclei, as well your digestive tract. Serotonin is made from an amino acid called tryptophan.
This neurotransmitter is best known for its ability to boost your mood, but it also plays an important role in digestion and the immune system.
Dopamine is made in the base of your brain through a two-step process. An amino acid called tyrosine is first made into another amino acid called L-dopa, which is then made into dopamine.
Dopamine is known as the pleasure neurotransmitter. That's because dopamine is responsible for making you feel good after you've had sex or eaten a good meal—or done any other activity that activates the reward system in your brain. It also helps you pay attention and learn new information.
Dopamine has lesser-known functions as well. This neurotransmitter plays a role in muscle movements, management of heart rate, lactation, pain, sleep, and function of your kidneys and blood vessels.
Causes of Serotonin and Dopamine Imbalance
Serotonin and dopamine deficiencies can occur for a variety of reasons. Your body might not make enough of these neurotransmitters or be able to respond to them appropriately. Certain medications can affect levels of serotonin and dopamine as well.
Other causes of these deficiencies are:
Signs of Low Serotonin and Dopamine
Low levels of serotonin or dopamine can cause similar symptoms. However, dopamine also affects the muscles, while serotonin does not.
Serotonin
Serotonin deficiency can cause:
Decreased energy levels
Sadness
Feeling hopeless
Mood swings
Increased or decreased appetite
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Carbohydrate cravings
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues
Sexual dysfunction
Compulsive behaviors
Low levels of serotonin can also cause mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders. In severe cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Dopamine
Symptoms of dopamine deficiency can include:
Difficulty paying attention
Lack of motivation
Depressed mood
Lack of pleasure in enjoyable activities
Decreased sex drive
Memory issues
Restless legs syndrome
Tremors (such as hands shaking)
Muscle cramps
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Dopamine deficiency can also occur with Parkinson's disease—a progressive neurological disorder that develops when cells in the brain that produce dopamine no longer function correctly. This condition causes tremors, stiffness throughout the body, difficulty with balance, and slow movements.
When Levels Are Too High
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Although rare, it is possible for serotonin and dopamine levels to be too high.
Serotonin
Too much serotonin can cause serotonin syndrome—a potentially life-threatening condition. This typically occurs when a person takes too much medication that increases serotonin levels. Symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Hallucinations
Restlessness
Nausea
Vomiting
High blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Difficulty with balance
Dopamine
Dopamine levels that are too high can also cause unwanted side effects. These can include:
Mania
Excess energy
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Both serotonin and dopamine play a role in depression. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter associated with depression. This chemical has a significant impact on mood and positive feelings, such as satisfaction, joy, and empathy for other people.
Depression is commonly treated with a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that help boost serotonin levels in your brain.
Low levels of dopamine can also contribute to depression. Inability to feel pleasure and lack of motivation are two symptoms of depression that have been linked to dopamine dysfunction.
While SSRIs are considered first-line treatment for depression, medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain are sometimes prescribed in addition to these drugs to specifically improve energy levels and motivation.
Digestion
Neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, are important for gut health. These chemicals help your body absorb nutrients from food, improve blood flow to your digestive system, help maintain levels of healthy gut bacteria, and improve gut motility (movement of waste products through your intestines).
Serotonin
Serotonin is best known for its impact on mental health. However, most of the serotonin in your body is made in your gut, not your brain. This neurotransmitter helps control the release of digestive enzymes that affect the function of your intestines.
Too much serotonin can contribute to GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Too little serotonin can cause constipation.
Dopamine
Unlike serotonin, most dopamine is made in your brain. In the digestive tract, a low amount of dopamine increases blood flow and helps your intestines absorb electrolytes.
Sleep
Serotonin and dopamine affect your body's sleep-wake cycle.
Serotonin
Serotonin can both help and interfere with sleep. It is needed for your body to make melatonin—the main hormone involved in sleep.
However, too much serotonin can also interfere with your ability to get rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This stage of sleep is important for brain health. It helps with:
Mood regulation
Concentration
Strong immune system
Processing new information
Long-term memory
Dopamine
Dopamine impacts your body's light-related circadian rhythm—your brain's ability to adapt to the time of day. Dopamine helps your brain know when it's time to be alert and stop melatonin production.
Ways to Boost Serotonin and Dopamine
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Medications are often used to boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the body. However, there are several ways that you can boost levels naturally, including:
Stay active : Exercising when you're feeling down and lack motivation can be particularly difficult. However, exercise has been proven to help increase serotonin levels in the brain. Start with something easy, such as taking a walk.
: Exercising when you're feeling down and lack motivation can be particularly difficult. However, exercise has been proven to help increase serotonin levels in the brain. Start with something easy, such as taking a walk. Get outside : Sunlight helps boost neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
: Sunlight helps boost neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Change your diet : Coffee has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels, although it can lead to withdrawal if you decide to cut back. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids boosts serotonin levels.
: Coffee has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels, although it can lead to withdrawal if you decide to cut back. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids boosts serotonin levels. Manage your stress: Adding stress-relieving activities to your day can help improve mood and boost neurotransmitter levels. For example, meditation has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Summary
Serotonin and dopamine are two important neurotransmitters that affect mental health. They also are important for gut health. Deficiencies in both of these chemicals can lead to symptoms of depression and issues with eating, sleeping, and concentrating. Dopamine also affects the muscles, and low levels can cause tremors and difficulties with coordination.
Serotonin and dopamine levels can be boosted with medications, and with lifestyle habits, such as getting more sunlight, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet.
A Word From Verywell
If you think you might have issues with your serotonin or dopamine levels, talk to your healthcare provider. Small changes in your daily habits, with or without the help of medication, can make a big difference in your quality of life.
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