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Dopamine is a simple organic chemical in the catecholamine family, which is produced in several parts of the brain. It consists of an amine group (NH2) connected to a catechol structure called dihydroxyphenethylamine, the decarboxyalted form of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA).
The authors of the paper then determined if the amount of dopamine in the brain had any relationship with the participants' efforts in the previously conducted button/money test.
The researchers found, ''¦ those with increased dopamine activity in the insula [a part of the brain] were the least likely to expend effort on the task.' [EurekAlert]
Treadway stated, "These results show for the first time that increased dopamine in the insula is associated with decreased motivation '” suggesting that the behavioral effects of dopaminergic drugs may vary depending on where they act in the brain.' [EurekAlert]
