Creativity and Mood Disorders
There appears to be a link between creativity and mood disorders. Some studies have shown that a greater percentage of people considered highly creative have a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder. Is there a connection between creativity and mood disorders?
Over the years, several studies have found that among creative writers, a higher percentage had some type of mood disorder, mainly bipolar disorder, over the general population. Both the study and control groups were of high intelligence, but intelligence did not seem to influence creativity as much as the presence of a mood disorder.
A study by Harvard University showed that experiencing depression increased creativity. It could be that the individual is more in touch with his or her feelings when introverted and depressed and so can more creatively express these feelings. Maybe it is because the person concentrates on the negative feelings and this keeps the brain occupied so the creativity can flow naturally without rational thought processes getting in the way.
With bipolar disorder, there is the depression factors listed above. There is also the experience of manic episodes where the individual may engage in risk-taking behavior or be more open to new experiences and possibilities. This could increase creativity. There is also the chance that when manic, the person can increase their work output, which in turn would give a greater chance of more creative works being produced.
If there truly is a link between creativity and bipolar disorder, it could help to identify those more at risk for developing this mood disorder. That the person has increased creativity might just offset the fear of being labeled with a mental illness.
Also, a link between creativity and mood disorders could be helpful in treating those with bipolar disorder or severe depression. By offering creative outlets, a provider can help individuals express their great range of feelings in healthy outlets. This may also help to stabilize the extreme highs and lows experienced with bipolar disorder and the lows of severe depression.
REFERENCE:
Modupe Akinola and Wendy Berry Mendes, The Dark Side of Creativity: Biological Vulnerability and Negative Emotions Lead to Greater Artisitc Creativity, http://psp.sagepub.com/content/34/12/1677.full.pdf+html
Over the years, several studies have found that among creative writers, a higher percentage had some type of mood disorder, mainly bipolar disorder, over the general population. Both the study and control groups were of high intelligence, but intelligence did not seem to influence creativity as much as the presence of a mood disorder.
A study by Harvard University showed that experiencing depression increased creativity. It could be that the individual is more in touch with his or her feelings when introverted and depressed and so can more creatively express these feelings. Maybe it is because the person concentrates on the negative feelings and this keeps the brain occupied so the creativity can flow naturally without rational thought processes getting in the way.
With bipolar disorder, there is the depression factors listed above. There is also the experience of manic episodes where the individual may engage in risk-taking behavior or be more open to new experiences and possibilities. This could increase creativity. There is also the chance that when manic, the person can increase their work output, which in turn would give a greater chance of more creative works being produced.
If there truly is a link between creativity and bipolar disorder, it could help to identify those more at risk for developing this mood disorder. That the person has increased creativity might just offset the fear of being labeled with a mental illness.
Also, a link between creativity and mood disorders could be helpful in treating those with bipolar disorder or severe depression. By offering creative outlets, a provider can help individuals express their great range of feelings in healthy outlets. This may also help to stabilize the extreme highs and lows experienced with bipolar disorder and the lows of severe depression.
REFERENCE:
Modupe Akinola and Wendy Berry Mendes, The Dark Side of Creativity: Biological Vulnerability and Negative Emotions Lead to Greater Artisitc Creativity, http://psp.sagepub.com/content/34/12/1677.full.pdf+html
Published by Jolynne M Hudnell
Jolynne is a part-time freelance writer and independently-published poet. Jolynne has knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. Jolynne enjoys singing and writing poetry. Her published work in... View profile
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