Bipolar Disorder and Exceptional Creative Ability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3885Keywords:
Bipolar Disorder, Creative Ability, Mad Genius Hypothesis, Poetic WavelengthAbstract
Throughout history, a number of accomplished artists, musicians, writers, and other creative individuals have exemplified key symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD). Even hundreds of years after these figures’ lifetimes, general controversy and debate has ensued concerning the true existence of a relationship between creativity and BD. Recent studies thoroughly analyze biographical information about the life and work of these individuals, determining whether demonstrated behavioral and emotional symptoms are indicative of modern day diagnoses for BD. Genetic formation of BD is additionally scrutinized to determine the degree to which suicidal leanings, impulsiveness, and alcohol abuse-each related behaviors of the BD spectrum-may contribute to creative ability. The impact of BD episodes on highly accomplished individuals in music, art, and literature has implied that the brain may respond to emotional shifts by creatively exceptional means.
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