What is the relationship between creative genius and mental illness?

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.

Is bipolar linked to intelligence?

They found that 12 risk genes for bipolar disorder were also linked to intelligence. In 75 \% of these genes, bipolar disorder risk was associated with higher intelligence. In schizophrenia, there was also a genetic overlap with intelligence, but a higher proportion of the genes was associated with cognitive impairment.

Is there a correlation between intelligence and schizophrenia?

A recent meta-analysis of 12 studies including over 750,000 subjects examined the prospective relationship between IQ and schizophrenia, and concluded that IQ had a relatively consistent dose-response relationship with an increased risk for schizophrenia of ∼ 3.7\% for every IQ point decrease (3).

What is the connection between creativity and mood disorders?

Clinicians who treat creative individuals with mood disorders must also confront a variety of challenges, including the fear that treatment may diminish creativity. In the case of bipolar disorder, however, it is likely that reducing severe manic episodes may actually enhance creativity in many individuals.

Are creative people more likely to suffer from psychological problems?

Studies of artists and writers collated in Scientific American confirm that artists and writers are up to 20 times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder (also called manic depressive illness) and 10 times more likely to suffer from depression.

Are schizophrenics more creative?

Psychiatric studies have to some degree supported the adage. Studies of more than 1 million Swedish people in 2011 and 2013 found that people who had close relatives with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were much more likely to become creative professionals.

Which part of the brain controls creativity?

Frontal cortex
Frontal cortex—the frontal cortex has long been thought of as the hub or center of creativity, as it seems to be responsible for many of the functions that contribute to creative thinking (such as working (or short-term) memory).