The chemical is called dopamine, and it's actually a hormone like chemical released naturally within the brain known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that control our moods and reactions. Even our body motions are ultimately stimulated by neurotransmitters. The good news is that these emotional triggers are not randomly created. They each react in very predictable ways to certain triggers.
Dopamine is produced by an amino acid called tyrosine.
Tyrosine is a chemical found in all protein rich foods. Basically, a client having a problem focussing either in therapy or during follow up, might be asked to eat a protein rich meal an hour before your session, or before dealing with certain situations where focus and concentration will be needed. In most cases, having a steak before a test won't throw the system way off track, but the unfortunate side effects of continuous high levels of dopamine include schizophrenia, paranoia, hallucinations, delusion, social isolation and inappropriate responses. Carefully regulated medical research has shown that a three to four ounce serving of a protein rich meal will elevate dopamine levels and significantly effect mood and brain function. These effects usually can be expected within half an hour or less.