What Science Tells Us About Dopamine and Crisis Management

Research from neuroscience and psychology provides a framework for understanding why crises feel so intense — and why resolution produces such a powerful high.

Dopamine and motivation: Studies show that dopamine is less about pleasure itself and more about anticipation and action. It spikes when we face high-stakes challenges, motivating us to act rather than sit still.
- 📖 Schultz, W. (2016). Dopamine reward prediction-error signalling: a two-component response. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
Stress and the crisis state: During acute stress, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline, sharpening attention. Dopamine works alongside these chemicals to prioritize immediate action and reward survival-driven decisions.
- 📖 Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Stress signalling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
The crash after resolution: Once a crisis passes, dopamine and stress hormones fall. Research highlights how this can lead to temporary fatigue, low mood, or even a sense of emptiness.
- 📖 McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews.
The loop of intensity: Habit-forming pathways in the brain can start linking dopamine release primarily to crisis-solving, creating a cycle where individuals seek — or even unconsciously create — high-pressure situations.
- 📖 Volkow, N. D., & Morales, M. (2015). The brain on drugs: from reward to addiction. Cell.

This section could expand with further examples, including how burnout, resilience training, and mindfulness practices alter dopamine regulation. It provides a scientific backbone for the lived experience of crisis highs and lows.