Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Ray Isenburg on 07/02/2009 11:30:02

Title: What chemical makes us motivated?
Post by: Ray Isenburg on 07/02/2009 11:30:02

Ray Isenburg  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hey Everybody,

I have always wondered if there was a chemical of some sort in humans that actually makes someone motivated. Is it something that can actually be measured or is it something that is determined by your emotions?

cheers!

Ray I.
Massachusetts, United States

What do you think?

Title: What chemical makes us motivated?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 08/02/2009 01:09:26

Adrenaline?

Title: What chemical makes us motivated?
Post by: JnA on 08/02/2009 13:19:21

Au?

Title: What chemical makes us motivated?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 09/02/2009 07:23:46

That's gold! [:D]

Title: What chemical makes us motivated?
Post by: Karen W. on 09/02/2009 08:13:02

Quote from: Chemistry4me on 08/02/2009 01:09:26

Adrenaline?

That would also be my guess along with perhaps some of the thyroid chemicals and hormones..

Title: What chemical makes us motivated?
Post by: Nicci on 11/02/2009 09:17:44

There is a cocktail of chemicals that stimulate motivation. They also vary between women and men. check out: http://www.psych2.phil.uni-erlangen.de/~oschult/humanlab/research/endocrine.htm

Title: What chemical makes us motivated?
Post by: MDriver1981 on 11/02/2009 22:34:05

That is an interesting question.  There is no simple answer, though.  I think B vitamins helps a person stay energized, and, perhaps, motivated.