What are signs of high dopamine?
“High dopamine” is a popular phrase, but you cannot reliably diagnose dopamine levels based on symptoms alone. Dopamine signaling is complex and context-dependent. Still, chronic overstimulation of reward pathways may be associated with restlessness, impulsivity, risk-taking, sleep disruption, scattered focus, and increased compulsive behaviors in some individuals. However, these signs can also result from anxiety, excess caffeine, sleep deprivation, hypomania/mania, or other clinical conditions. Instead of assuming “high dopamine,” it is more rational to reduce triggers (screens, stimulants, stress) and seek professional evaluation when symptoms are significant. Dopamine detox is essentially about managing overstimulation, not proving a lab value.