The Genius And Mental Illness - 1332 Words

Artistic Genius and Mental Illness The path from mental illness to creative genius in many artists and writers has long been a topic of research and discussion. Researchers believe they are now gaining new clues about the mysterious link between highly creative individuals and mental disorders, most commonly manic depression. The National Institute on Mental Health estimates that manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, affects about 2 million Americans. Many scientists believe that a relationship exists between creativity and bipolar disorder, which was formerly called manic-depressive illness and is marked by dramatic shifts in a person s mood, energy, and ability to function. Numerous studies have examined this link; several have shown that artists and writers may have two to three times more incidences of psychosis, mood disorders or suicide when compared with people in less creative professions. Some researchers believe that bipolar disorder or mania, a defining symptom of the disease, causes creative activity. Terence Ketter, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, believes that bipolar patients creativity stems from their mobilizing energy that is a result of negative emotion which then initiates some sort of solution to their problems. Stanford University published a study in 2005 that examined creativity in the offspring of bipolar parents and stated it is possible for creativity and bipolar to have important genetic components. NancyShow MoreRelatedI Am A Mad Genius982 Words   |  4 PagesA mad genius: a person that has an extraordinarily high IQ, and is often overly â€Å"eccentric†. Scientists, and historians have been debating for years if there is a link between madness, and intelligence. Many Scientists have been proclaimed as a â€Å"mad genius.† This list includes Nicola Tesla, who is â€Å"the man that created the 20th century.† While he may be extremely intelligent, â€Å"he suffered from an extreme case of OCD, and germephopia. He also would refuse to touch anything round† (Bayne) . Tesla isRead MoreA Brilliant Madness about John Forbes Nash Essay1458 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"To some extent insanity is a form of conformity; people are always selling the idea that people who have mental illness are suffering. But it’s really not so simple†¦I think mental illness or madness can be an escape also† (qtd. in â€Å"John Forbes Nash†). To many â €Å"normal† people, the terms â€Å"insanity† or â€Å"madness† portray a negative connotation-- the unfortunate ones â€Å"suffer† from mental illness. 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Is believed that individuals with psychological problems often have the capacity to see and interpret the world in a unique and original manner, in other words they can see what