Dopamine: brain chemical helps us understand other people – raising hopes for new treatments

By Bianca Shuster, Postdoctoral Reseracher in cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Universität Wien
Jennifer Cook, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham

The neurotransmitter dopamine is commonly known for its role in brain networks regulating pleasure and reward.

But many people with disorders that affect the dopamine system, such as Parkinson’s disease or schizophrenia, also struggle with social abilities. These include recognising or understanding the emotions and mental states of others, something scientists call…

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