The Neuroscience of Motivation

In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of motivation and, in particular, the chemical dopamine which makes us feel motivated. Dopamine is the chemical from which adrenaline or epinephrine is made Here and Now chemicals: Serotonin, Oxytocin, Endocannabboids, Endorphins pain Dopamine suppresses adrenaline and H&N and visa versa VTA- Nucleus Accumbens - Dopamine Desire Circuit Ventral Tegmental Area - PFC - Dopamine control circuit PFC control release of it Control vs Desire Circuit Desire vs Desire Circuit Desire vs H&N Circuit Known as pleasure but more to do with desire and craving Wanting vs Liking Rat Experiment Pain and Pleasure side to it Anticipate pleasure but pain of craving it as time goes on CRAVING: One part dopamine and mirror image of dopamine Downward in pleasure EVERY BIT OF PLEASURE SAME AS PAIN The Law of diminishing returns Towards and Away from Evolved to lead to action Progress Praise Power Novelty Status Sex/Love Challenge - Game Achievement Intrinsic Motivation vs Extrinsic Motivation Predictable Reward to start Intermittent Reward to continue Maybe… 50/50 is best