They're neurotransmitters that are related to each other, but regulate different things in different ways.
[Simple terms. It's a skill to explain complex matters in a way that anyone can understand.]
Dopamine relays pleasure and rewards. It also helps the body move and coordinate. High levels of dopamine feel really good, so people might develop addictions to the substances or behaviors that make it spike.
Serotonin helps regulate hormonal processes, appetite, digestion, and moods.
The systems interact; for example, serotonin suppresses dopamine production, so if you have low levels of serotonin, your dopamine levels will be higher, and you'll be more likely to engage in behavior that keeps them high.
Think of serotonin as the responsible older brother with a stable job, and dopamine as the thrill-seeking younger brother who's a bad influence but has a lot of fun.
no subject
[Simple terms. It's a skill to explain complex matters in a way that anyone can understand.]
Dopamine relays pleasure and rewards. It also helps the body move and coordinate. High levels of dopamine feel really good, so people might develop addictions to the substances or behaviors that make it spike.
Serotonin helps regulate hormonal processes, appetite, digestion, and moods.
The systems interact; for example, serotonin suppresses dopamine production, so if you have low levels of serotonin, your dopamine levels will be higher, and you'll be more likely to engage in behavior that keeps them high.
Think of serotonin as the responsible older brother with a stable job, and dopamine as the thrill-seeking younger brother who's a bad influence but has a lot of fun.