Dopamine Deficiency: Symptoms and Causes of Dopamine Deficiency

Dopamine Deficiency: Symptoms and Causes of Dopamine Deficiency

Dopamine Deficiency

Dopamine, acts as a neurotransmitter which controls the movements of the muscles of the body and various emotions. The deficiency of dopamine is attributed to a wide range of conditions including stress, lack of sleep, exposure to heavy metal compounds, etc. Deficiency of dopamine may result in mental and emotional complications in the life of an individual and occasionally is manifested in the form of physical symptoms

Dopamine Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiency of the neurotransmitter is associated with a wide range of complex symptoms.


Some of these symptoms include,

Excessive depression with total or partial lack of interest in work, hobbies or life in general

Procrastination and inability to feel happy

Low levels of motivation and general apathy towards work and life

Excessive sleepiness, especially in the early morning hours of the day

Constant need for stimulants to maintain daily functions like constant desire for caffeine or other stimulants

Weight gain

Often, dopamine deficiency is associated with Parkinson’s disease and can be manifested in the form of impact on motor skills of the individual.


The symptoms include loss of balance, rigidity of the muscles, slow movement, tremors and shaking will at rest. In addition the individual may manifest other symptoms like difficulty in swallowing or performing fine motor movements, loss of expression of the face, etc.

Dopamine deficiency may also be associated with dementia or generalized pain in the body along with sleeping problems.