Which neurotransmitter is closely associated with feelings of pleasure and reward?

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in the brain's reward and pleasure systems. It is heavily involved in signaling pleasure and reinforcement, which motivates individuals to engage in certain behaviors that are perceived as rewarding. When we partake in activities that bring us joy, such as eating, socializing, or engaging in leisure activities, dopamine levels increase, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This is why dopamine is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter.

While serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA are also important neurotransmitters with various roles in mood regulation and body function, they do not specifically correlate with the pleasure and reward pathway in the same manner that dopamine does. For instance, serotonin contributes more to mood stability and feelings of well-being, norepinephrine is primarily associated with arousal and alertness, and GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps to lower neural excitability and anxiety. Thus, dopamine is the most directly linked neurotransmitter to pleasure and reward experiences.