We’ve all heard it: dopamine is the “pleasure molecule.” Catchy, sure. But wrong. In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, Marco Rigazio unpacks the myths around dopamine and explores its real role in the brain. Far from being just about “feeling good,” dopamine is a regulator—shaping focus, working memory, and even intelligence. Along the way, you’ll discover what happens when dopamine falls out of balance (ADHD, addiction, burnout, anhedonia) and why motivation isn’t just about willpower, but about your brain’s state of readiness.

Copyright 2025 Marco Rigazio

• Molecular Imaging of Central Dopamine in Obesity: A Qualitative Review across Substrates and Radiotracers - PMC
• Age-dependent effects of protein restriction on dopamine release - PMC
• The Potential Role of Dopamine Pathways in the Pathophysiology of Depression: Current Advances and Future Aspects - PubMed
• The tonic/phasic model of dopamine system regulation: its relevance for understanding how stimulant abuse can alter basal ganglia function - PubMed
• The tonic/phasic model of dopamine system regulation and its implications for understanding alcohol and psychostimulant craving - PubMed
• Dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability and working memory in stimulant use disorder
• Neurobiology of Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Review - PMC
• White-Matter Integrity and Working Memory: Links to Aging and Dopamine-Related Genes - PMC
• A multi-faceted role of dual-state dopamine signaling in working memory, attentional control, and intelligence - PMC
• Dopamine-related polymorphisms and Affective Working Memory in aging - PubMed
• Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies - PMC
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• The Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review - PMC
• The Effects of Drugs used for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Pregnancy Outcome and Breast-feeding: A Critical Review - PMC
• Dezocine modulates the reinstatement of conditioned place preference in morphine-dependent rats via the dopamine reward circuitry - PMC
• From Reward to Anhedonia-Dopamine Function in the Global Mental Health Context - PMC
• Reward, motivation and brain imaging in human healthy participants – A narrative review - PMC
• Dopamine synthesis and transport: current and novel therapeutics for Parkinsonisms
• Role of Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Regulating Dopaminergic Signaling