Is there a link between mental illness and genius?

For decades, scientists have known that eminently creative individuals have a much higher rate of manic depression, or bipolar disorder, than does the general population.

What is the connection between genius and madness?

Genius and insanity may actually go together, according to scientists who found that mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are often found in highly creative and intelligent people. The link is being investigated by a group of scientists who had all suffered some form of mental disorder.

What is the genius disease?

Of all mental illnesses, bipolar disorder is, perhaps, the most mysterious. Often referred to as the dark side of creativity, it disproportionately affects people otherwise known as uncommonly gifted or even geniuses.

Do genius and insanity go together?

Genius and insanity may actually go together, according to scientists who found that mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are often found in highly creative and intelligent people.

Are creative geniuses more vulnerable to major mental disorders?

Creative individuals are prone to be “cyclothymic,” while scientists and engineers predominantly tend to be “schizoid.” 1-3 Unfortunately, creative geniuses are more vulnerable to major mental disorders. 5 There are many examples of this phenome- non throughout history.

Is there such a thing as a “narcissistic genius”?

In creative geniuses, there exists a major variation from the norm of the inborn temperament. This variant lies beyond the normally occurring variability. Referring to major mental disorder, Freud called it “narcissistic neuroses.” 8 This extreme variant is also seen in other individuals at risk for major mental disorders.

Is there a link between genius and madness?

Past studies have suggested that much of the link between genius and madness is produced by one particular gene called the DARPP-32, and that three out of four people inherit a version of the DARPP-32 gene, which enhances the brain’s ability to think by improving information processing in the prefrontal cortex of the brain.