Excess dopamine in the brain is responsible for fanatical behavior in election times
Psychologist explains the effects of the neurotransmitter too much and its influence on human behavior
A dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for carrying information to various parts of the body and, when it is released it causes the sensation of pleasure and increases motivation. In addition to being related to emotions and cognitive processes, attention span, apprenticeship, it is also present in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia or ADHD, among others.
When we are about to experience something we expect, or dealing with strong emotions, our body starts to produce more dopamine, stimulating senses as enthusiasm, hope, excitement, joy, happiness and well-being, as well as anxiety, despair, aggressiveness, suffering with more negative thoughts. In this respect, it is possible to associate excess dopamine with developing obsessive and even intolerant thoughts, which is what happens when a person becomes fanatical about something or someone.
According to the cognitive behavioral psychologist, Emerson Viana, one of the factors that can lead a person to become fanatical or obsessive about something is high dopamine production in our body and directly linked to the thoughts we cultivate and the environment we live in.. "While we pay attention to something that generates expectation., our body begins to produce dopamine and stimulate the emotions that motivate us. Depending on the environment in which we are inserted and the thoughts we adopt, potentiated feelings can make us much more intolerant and aggressive to thoughts opposite to our own," explains the psychologist.
In decisive periods such as elections, for instance, it's common for people to devote their attention and energy to the news., to the candidates and the whole environment and how things manifest themselves, after all the final verdict is given by the population, through voting. But, some people develop a greater interest, devoting more attention than others, what triggers emotions, able to generate more dopamine and further enhance emotions, generating fanatical and destructive behaviors for oneself and one's surroundings.
"The initial diagnosis is not easy because the person doesn't realize they're having more aggressive behaviors., it's usually family and friends who notice and suggest that the person seek help." – comments Emerson. Ideally, the evils that fanaticism can cause should be much more widespread so that people can identify the symptoms and be aware of the risks and consequences that feeding these emotions can cause in the individual's life..
Therapy is and always will be an essential tool for self-knowledge at any stage of life.. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can prevent a person from falling into traps like this.. All dialogue is valid, and there will always be opposing opinions, but, everything should be measured in a respectful and healthy way.
Emerson Viana (Behavioral Psychologist)
Graduated from UMESP in Behavioral Psychology, worked at the ABC School of Medicine at the Hebiatry Center, with adolescents aged 12 a 18 years both in the personal development of the adolescent and also work in groups.
Attended the Polyclinic of UMESP giving support to the elderly and worked with Vocational Guidance (O.V) for young people. He is the founder of Clínica Viva Psicologia, located in the neighborhood of Tatuapé, East Zone of São Paulo.
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