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Why men are 'happy' on drugs

SCIENTISTS believe they may have found a reason why men are more likely to take some illegal drugs and why women are more prone to depression.

A US study has revealed that men produce more "happy chemicals" in their brains after taking amphetamines compared with women.

The neurotransmitter dopamine is three times higher in the brains of men who have taken amphetamines compared with women, according to the research. Men also reported feelings of being more confident, having more energy and being more sociable than women did.

Scientists believe the findings will help shed light on why men use more drugs, as well as giving new insights into diseases linked to dopamine levels including Parkinson's, memory loss, depression and schizophrenia.

Twenty-eight men and 15 women aged 18 to 29 were examined for the study at Johns Hopkins school of medicine in Maryland. The dopamine levels in their brains were measured while they were under the influence of amphetamines.

Scientists have suggested that the dopamine levels could be due to women's bodies being better at eliminating the drug from the brain, an action linked to levels of oestrogen, the predominantly female hormone.

Separate research published during the week adds to evidence that older women who have one or two drinks a day may be guarding themselves against declining brain functioning. The report was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It found that of 3298 women with an average age of 69, those who regularly consumed lower levels of alcohol scored 20 per cent higher in mental cognition tests than did those who steered clear of alcoholic drinks.

GUARDIAN
Bron