We all must have heard about dopamine and serotonin and many use it interchangeably as hormones that help us stay happy. But they are actually difference. The famous internet doctor Dr Sermed Mezher shared a video on social media where he talks about the differences between the two and how those two do not necessarily work in a similar manner. These both are neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers used by the nervous system that regulates many functions in the body, from sleep to metabolism. DopamineAlso known as the "feel-good" hormone, this monoamine neurotransmitter acts as a hormone and is made in your brain and works as a chemical messenger. The role of dopamine works mainly in motivation and rewarding your work. Scientists link the low motivation with depression and that a dysfunction within the dopamine system may lead to such results. Dopamine is also related to pleasure, which can be gained from eating a good meal to having sex and it is addictive in its nature. A person brain can associate with certain actions or substance with a rush of dopamine. Overtime, the same activities can become less reactive to dopamine, which means, with time the person may have to consume more of the drug, meal or do the activity more than how it was initially done. If not done enough, it can cause dopamine dysfunction which can lead to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dr Mezher says that dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter, which means it is a receiving neuron that becomes stimulated and because of the brain could overdose on it. Dr Mezher says that constant stimulation can kill a neuron. It is associated with pleasure and is described as addictive and short-term. It is experienced viscerally, meaning you feel it in your body during activities like eating or shopping, as mentioned by Dr Mezher too. It motivates people to take and seek more of what feels good, creating a cycle of desire. While it brings immediate pleasure, too much of it can lead to addiction as the brain constantly craves more of the "reward".Serotonin It is also known as the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and is also a monoamine neurotransmitter which acts as a hormone. It carries messages between nerve cells in your brain and throughout your body and tells your body how to work. It also influences learning, memory and happiness and lack of it can lead to depression, anxiety, and other health conditions. A 2014 study titled Serotonin and Mental Disorders: A Concise Review on Molecular Neuroimaging Evidence found that serotonin linked to conditions like anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder. Low serotonin links with obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. Lower levels of serotonin in certain areas of brain can lead to spectrum disorder. It is also linked to long-term happiness and contentment. Unlike dopamine, it is not addictive and is felt more ethereally- above the neck. Instead of seeking immediate rewards, serotonin inspires giving, like volunteering, and is often experienced in social settings, such as spending time with family or friends. It promotes a sense of fulfillment where the brain recognises that "this feels good, and it is enough". Dr Mezher seconds with this information. He says that it is for happiness and it makes you feel good and leaves you with the feeling of "I feel good, I do not need more". He says it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means brain cannot overdose on it. There are 14 different serotonin receptors that allow to exert functions. "Higher levels of dopamine reduce the number of these receptors," explains Dr Sermed. Therefore, while many confuse these two neurotransmitters as the same, their functions are different. While one can lead to addiction and the another makes you feel content.