Understanding Dopamine: How it Connects Fear, Anxiety, and Disordered Eating. Q1. What does dopamine do in the brain? Dopamine is best known for making us feel pleasure and motivation, but it also plays a big role in how we respond to fear and anxiety (1). It helps the brain learn what’s safe and what’s dangerous, shaping how we react to threats. This means dopamine isn’t just about feeling good it helps regulate emotions, fear responses, and decision-making. Problems with do
