Decision-making is a complex and multifactorial process, involving different brain regions and neurochemical modulators. One of the main protagonists of this phenomenon is dopamine, a neurotransmitter widely recognized for its role in the reward system and in regulating human behavior. However, its influence goes beyond immediate pleasure, directly affecting the way we assess risks and choose paths in our daily lives.
The brain regions most associated with decision-making include the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and the hippocampus. While the DLPFC is crucial for logical reasoning and cognitive control, the vmPFC and OFC play central roles in emotional integration and reward evaluation. The hippocampus, in turn, contributes by providing a base of memories and past experiences that can guide our choices.
Dopamine acts as a key modulator in this system. Adequate levels of dopamine in the DLPFC promote cognitive flexibility, allowing us to clearly evaluate alternatives and make fact-based decisions. However, an imbalance in this system can lead to adverse consequences. For example, low levels of dopamine are often associated with insecurity and difficulty making decisions. Individuals in depressed or anxious states, where the dopaminergic system may be compromised, tend to avoid risks and show hesitation in everyday situations.
On the other hand, high levels of dopamine can promote a bolder and riskier stance. Overvaluing immediate rewards and underestimating potential risks are common characteristics in euphoric states, such as in bipolar disorder in the manic phase or under the influence of psychoactive substances that increase dopamine. This decision-making profile can be advantageous in contexts of innovation and entrepreneurship, where boldness is necessary, but it can also lead to hasty decisions and significant losses.
People with disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have specific dopaminergic profiles that directly impact decision-making. In ASD, reduced dopaminergic response to the social reward system can lead to more conservative decision-making and, in some cases, difficulty adapting to change. In ADHD, low dopamine availability in the prefrontal cortex often results in more impulsive and less assertive decisions.
Studies suggest that individuals who are able to make more assertive decisions generally have a healthy balance of dopamine levels, which favors executive control and cognitive flexibility. These skills allow these individuals to obtain more assertive responses in their choices and, consequently, achieve greater professional and personal success.
Therefore, balancing dopamine levels is essential for healthy decision-making. Both very low and excessively high dopamine levels can impair judgment, reinforcing the importance of understanding the biological mechanisms underlying our choices. This awareness not only benefits clinical practice in psychiatric and psychological contexts, but also improves our approach to human behavior in various areas, from economics to education.
In an increasingly dynamic and challenging world, knowing the brain mechanisms that govern our decisions can be the key to more conscious and assertive choices, allowing us to achieve our goals without compromising our mental health and well-being.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.