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Creativity and Bipolar Disorder

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Biology 202
2003 Second Web Paper
On Serendip

Creativity and Bipolar Disorder

Nicole Megatulski

History has always held a place for the "mad genius", the kind who, in a bout of euphoric fervor, rattles off revolutionary ideas, incomprehensible to the general population, yet invaluable to the population's evolution into a better adapted species over time. Is this link between creativity and mental illness one of coincidence, or are the two actually related? If related, does heightened creative behavior alter the brain's neurochemistry such that one becomes more prone to a mental illness like bipolar disorder? Does bipolar disorder cause alterations in neurochemistry in the brain that increase creative behavior through elevated capacity for thought and expression? Is this link the result of some third factor which causes both of the two effects?

Centuries of literature and innumerable studies have supported strong cases relating creativity--particularly in the arts, music and literature--to bipolar disorder. Both creativity and bipolar disorder can be attributed to a genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Biographical studies, diagnostic and psychological studies and family studies provide different aspects for examining this relationship.

A 1949 study of 113 German artists, writers, architects, and composers was one of the first to undertake an extensive, in-depth investigation of both artists and their relatives. Although two-thirds of the 113 artists and writers were "psychically normal," there were more suicides and "insane and neurotic" individuals in the artistic group than could be expected in the general population, with the highest rates of psychiatric abnormality found in poets (50%) and musicians (38%). (1) Many other similar tests revealed this disproportionate occurrence of mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder, in artistic and creative people, including a recent study of individuals over a thirty-year period (1960 to 1990). Overall, when comparing individuals in the creative arts with those in other professions (such as businessmen, scientists, and public officials), the artistic group showed two to three times the rate of psychosis, suicide attempts, mood disorders, and substance abuse. (1)

Another recent study was the first to undertake scientific diagnostic inquiries into the relationship between creativity and psychopathology in living writers. Eighty percent of the study sample met formal diagnostic criteria for a major mood disorder versus thirty percent of the control sample. The statistical difference between these two rates is highly significant, where p<.001. This means that the odds of this difference occurring by chance alone are less than one in a thousand. Of particular interest, almost one-half the creative writers met the diagnostic criteria for full-blown manic-depressive illness. (1) This is not to say that the majority of artists are bipolar but rather that there is a considerably higher incidence in bipolar disorder among artists than among the general population.

Collectively, these studies and numerous others have clinically supported the existence of a link between bipolar disorder and creativity. Now the question applies: Is bipolar disorder the result of above-average creativity or is above-average creativity the result of bipolar disorder or are the two a result of some third factor which causes the two effects? From the sources I have encountered, I believe a stronger case is made for the latter, although it is impossible to scientifically or psychologically answer that question at this time.

Predisposition to bipolar disorder is genetically inherited and current studies suggest the same for predisposition to creativity but is there a common genetic factor, which determines the expression of both traits? If there were, neither creativity nor bipolar disorder would implicitly cause the other. A recent study hypothesized that a genetic vulnerability to manic-depressive illness would be accompanied by a predisposition to creativity, which, according to the investigators, might be more prominent among close relatives of manic-depressive patients than among the patients themselves. Significantly higher combined scores from a creativity assessment test were observed among the manic-depressive patients and their normal first-degree relatives than among the control subjects, suggesting a possible genetic link between the two characteristics, as both are prevalent in families with a history of bipolar disorder and not as evident in control families. (1) A wide variety of artistic and creative talents, ranging from music to art to mathematics, were exhibited among the family members of the bipolar patients as well. The varied manifestations of creativity within the same family suggest that whatever is transmitted within families is a general factor that predisposes them to a creative mentality, rather than a specific giftedness in a single area. The coexistence of creativity accompanied by manic depression, whether expressed in bipolar patients or not expressed in their predisposed family members, suggests that a third factor, yet unidentified, may be orchestrating the expression of the two.

Assuming both creativity and bipolar disorder, or at least predisposition to the illness, are expressed simultaneously, what accounts for heightened creativity in people upon onset of bipolar disorder? A deficit in normal information-processing could be manifested in a severe behavioral disorder, but it could also favor creative associations between information units or a propensity toward innovation and originality. (2) The altered neurological structure and functioning in the frontal lobe, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebellum associated with bipolar disorder may also allow for more creative thought.

People with bipolar mood disorders tend to be more emotionally reactive, which gives them greater sensitivity and acuteness. This, coupled with a lack of inhibition due to compromised frontal lobe processes, permits them unrestrained and unconventional forms of expressions, less limited by accepted norms and customs. They are more open to experimentation and risk-taking behavior, and, as a consequence, more assertive and resourceful than the mean. (2) (3) Characteristics of the bipolar disorder, such as lowered inhibition, allow for freer expression of previously contained ideas and the constant flux between manic and depressive states also gives an unusual kaleidoscopic perspective of the world. All of these factors can account for increased creativity once the illness erupts. (5)

The current model supports the existence of a relationship between creativity and bipolar disorder as the coexisting effects caused by some third factor. Uncovering the origin of the relationship between creativity and bipolar disorder will require continued studies, particularly those implementing brain scans and genetic isolation techniques, aimed at identifying this mysterious third factor that would link the two traits together. (4) The new equipment and test available, such as PET scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and gene mapping, has complicated the process by offering new ways to explain bipolar disorder as a possible collection of disorders presenting closely similar symptoms. Hence, the third factor may actually be a combination of multiple factors like environmental insults to fetal development, hormonal imbalances in the womb and inordinate stress during development in addition to genetic factors. (6) When it is determined which of these factors, acting either alone or in various combinations, are the mysterious third factor, the origin of the relationship between creativity and bipolar disorder will be unveiled.

 

References

1) Jamison, Kay Redfield. Touched with Fire. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993.

2) Journal of Memetics, an article addressing creativity, evolution and mental illness.

3) Bipolar Disorder, an educational resource about bipolar disorder.

4) Manic-Depressive & Depressive Association of Boston, an article discussing the genetics of bipolar disorder.

5) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an online version of the resource book.

6) From Neurons to Neighborhoods, a book that addresses early development of the brain.

 

 

Comments made prior to 2007

As a bipolar disorder person, for my entire life, I must compliment the young lady for her assessment of my conditon. There are several items that I think the readership of Serendip's Forum must understand, as an addendum to her article. First and foremost, neither pschiatrists, nor psychologists, understand what bipolar disorder is, and how the medications work in the brain to balance that brain and make it "normal." Secondly, there are no Silver Bullets to help all, only a percentage of the people who suffer from this destructive illness can live normal lives, as long as they take their medications as was prescribed. Thirdly, it is not a mental disorder, but it is a physiological disorder as there is a deficincy of chemicals to the receptors of the brain that causes my problem. Presently, I am working on a book on bipolar disorder, and how my life was a roller coaster ride, and during my entire life. My book should be finished in about ten months. The name will be, "The Roller Coaster Ride of a Bipolar Disorder Patient. Thanks again for her good read ... Michael Joel Hel, 21 April 2006

Comments

Jake's picture

I am bi polar as well and

I am bi polar as well and I've come up with this theory without any prior knowledge to research and studies done already. I also believe bi-polar to have something to do with divinity....please, if anyone knows whaaat im saying here..please e mail me . because alot of things have been happening to me lately that are unfolding into somthing here yet my life is collapsing more and more every day. i dont want to take meds for fear of losing my creative thoughts that i beleive are truely benificial to society... but it always comes back to the feelings of divinity... please do not judge. i say house, you may think of a red one, and he may think of a green one. everyone has a diferent perception. please dont call me crazy, but know that everyone is different for a reason.

F FEAR  whats to fear now ive seen it all's picture

YEAH BUD I KNOW WHAT YOUR

YEAH BUD I KNOW WHAT YOUR SAYING ABOUT DIVINITY, BUT DONT STRIVE TO HARD OR YOU WILL GO CRAZY!!.. ENJOY THE GOOD SPIRITUAL HIGH BUT ALSO CONTROL IT BECAUSE IT IS BAD AT THE END OR NEW BEGINNING.. CONTROL BAD THOUGHTS, LOVE LIFE, SLOW YA ROLL, AND MAYBE DIVINE ISNT COMPLETE PERFECTION BUT JUST SOME SORT OF BALANCED STATE OF MIND OF FEELIN EMPOWERED AND NOT COUNTING ON MANIA TO BELIEVE AND CREATE.. IVE NOTICED ALOT MORE MANIAC PEOPLE ON HERE THAT SEEM TO HAVE A CALLING TO GIVE AND HELP FELLOW PEOPLE LESS FORTUNATE!!GOOD.. SO!! IF YOUR READING THIS!! 1.)LEARN TO CHILL!!2.) NO WORRIES OR FALSE BELIEFS! DOWN LOAD GOOD THOUGHTS IN YOUR BRAINS STARTING NOW.. 3.) IF U GET ALL SPIRITUALLY HIGH TALKING GREATNESS, THEN GOING AHEAD AND TAKING A NAP WONT TAKE UR CREATIVITY!! NEITHER WILL A LIL MEDICATION FOR A YEAR OR SO!!TRU STORY 4.) FELLOW WILD DRUG INDUCED PHYSCOTIC BOYS/GIRLS NEED TO COME OF THE INVINCIBLE PEDASTOOL BEFORE YOU POSSIBLY DIE IN VANE!5.)$$ IF UR SEARCH FOR DIVINITY STEMS FROM SOME INTERNAL ISSUE YOU HAVE FUELING UR FIRE.. GET HELP!!6.) LISTEN IF READING.. IM 19 AND ESCAPED DIENG 6 TIMES BEFORE I ENDING UP COUNTING TULIPS.. if u have worries that cause rapid thoughts or a disbelief even if you only worry about it once a year!!.. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!! LOL JUST CONTROL UR MIND TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR THOUGTHS AN ACTIONS.. DONT COUNT ON MANIA 2 CREATE UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE SOME OF THE SCARIEST STUFF YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE.. I SUFFERED!!! TO GET CLOSER TO DIVINTY !! PAIN!! SCARY!! WENT FRM RAPPING/MONEY/HIGHSPEED/ THUG/DRUGS/GUNS/SEX/COOL/DIENG -2- DARKDEMONS/MENTAL HOSPITAL/VOICES/SEEIN MORE DEMONS/POLICE SEARCHIN FOR ME/PAIN!!!bitch!!PAIN!! BACK TO SMART INVESTMENTS/MUSIC RECORDS/DESIGNING HOMES/PUSSY/SOME DRUGS/ MAN ITS A LIFE STYLE IF U AINT GANA BE GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE WITH IT TAKE YA MEDS!! HA if yall dont think you can handle it talk to ya doc please dont pussy out when u stress out and go to hell and kill yourself.. please just read this a few times get the key points twist the words a lil and take not from a tru physcotic demon slayer I MAKE HITS OUT HOLLA LOVE GOD

Diana's picture

crazy's not so bad

I am a bipolar as well and I struggle with myself everyday. I don't want to take medication either, even though, that is what everyone seems to recommend to me. I am afraid I will lose my creativity and my ability to think outside of that proverbial box. I understand completely what you are saying. We all have the potential for greatness. I believe that. I study philosophy and poetry. Through these arts I aim to discover myself and the world to the best of my ability, and share my insights, experiences so others may learn something. I feel I have been chosen to disseminate this knowledge and experience to the world. I am most passionate about the existentialists, since they emphasize self exploration and analysis. To truly know oneself naturally opens you up to the rest of the universe. My life is simply a journey of self discovery. That is enough for me.
However, I am frequently derailed by my own drama and chaos. It is difficult for me to stay put anywhere for more than a year or hold down a job. I am very emotional and impulsive and...well it's a long list. But at the same time I think, everyone has some burden(s) to live with. All and all, being bipolar is not among the worst of them. Life was never meant to be easy. To be honest, if it was, I'd probably be bored.

Lynn's picture

Fear of losing creativity

I too was afraid of losing my creativity if I tool meds, but once my dr. found the right combination, everything is better. I am still as creative and I can manage it much better. I have been able to complete writing projects and publish them. I don't have to wait for a creative high to come along; I can stimulate my creativity through music, prayer, etc. My psychologist told me that bipolar disorder does not GIVE you abilities or personality; instead, it ENHANCES what YOU already have. This is true. I am the same special person now but able to contribute my talents to the world.
If a medicine dulls you out and you can get in touch with your creative self, tell your dr. you'll have to try something else. Also, try NeuroFeedback. It is non-invasive and it retrains your brain to reduce its anxiety and to respond better to stimuli. It has changed my life.

steven arthur's picture

Bipolar Disorder

I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and just started taking meds. It really hit home when you expressed the divinity aspect of having this illness. Some of the thoughts that I have are so moving it leaves me immobile and then I crash. Im working on expressing myself also so the world can benefit from the ideas that I have. I live inside of myself a lot and I'm really afraid to let go. It feels so much like home when your down and going through episodes. But on the flip side I know I need to take my meds. Anyway I apologize for changing the tone of this message. Hang in there and eveerything will be alright. Shoot me an email if you ever need to express some things.

Anonymous's picture

Advice?

Wow. When you said "I live inside of myself a lot and I'm really afraid to let go" that just hit me because... that's what I say about myself, that I live inside myself, that is. I actually wrote that in a poem. That exact phrase. I came to this article because my life is spiraling out of control and I have a notion that there is something not quite normal about me. I've always been a super creative person. I've played four instruments and excelled at art classes all of my life. I've always loved to write. This is mainly prose, but sometimes poetry just comes spurting out of me and I have to find a pen and paper and write it down. I recently started working on theatrical design, too. And there was something about math relating to creativity. I've never liked math, but I've always been good at it. A lot of the time I'm really... well my friends call it calm, but I guess it would be depressed when the euphamisms are pushed aside. But sometimes I'm really happy for no reason. And sometimes I don't sleep at all or very little for days on end. And sometimes I'm constantly getting myself into projects to keep me busy. But then when I'm calm I'm super calm. There was a period last January when I slept all the time. I was sleeping for 36 hours straight. And then I'm always tired. And I don't do my work. And I can just sit alone and do nothing for ever. And at other times I get so restless I want to do things and go out and be active and I talk to my family a lot more then too. Or anyone around, really. I don't know. I could just be overreacting. But I just started college... and it's not working out so well. So the other day I went to see someone about what was going on. And it was only after that that I thought about this. There was a sign in the clinic that advertised meetings for people with bipolar disorder and cyclothymia. And I was curious as to what cyclothymia was. So I looked it up. And that's what started all of this. I guess what I'm agonizing over now is do I just let the psychologist do her thing? or do I bring my research up? I mean I don't want to seem like I'm just a hypochondriac or seem like I'm taking this disorder lightly at all... I don't know. Does anyone have any advice?

Anonymous's picture

Me Too

Bless you hun, reading these posts has made me feel a little less restless. I went to the doctors not long ago as i was having really bad episodes where as for 3 weeks i was feeling on top of the world then as quickly as it came it was gone and replaced with a seriously deep feeling of no self worth, anxiety, panick attacks and irrational thoughts. I felt like all the creativity and personality had been sucked out of me and i couldnt handle it!! Then a few days later i was writing my books again and feeling like i could anything? I too feel as though people think that i am just over reacting but when your lying in bed and shaking as your whole world is spinning ut of control and you dont know what is going with your unbalanced moods, the crying, the laughing the complete icoaltion then you are social butterfly? Absoulutly crippling! I am scared that if i take meds it will stop my fantastic ideas for my books and then im nothing. My creativity makes me who i am, i cant think about not being able to express myself, i cry to the thought of not having ideas pop into my head now and again. So i will try the talking route and see where it takes me. Not sure if anyone is the same but i am the kind of person thats wants it now, i want to know whats wrong with me today not months down the line! Go figure, maybe ill just embrase teh fact im different and go from there! xx

Lynn's picture

As you get older, this is

As you get older, this is going to get worse. Medication is the first step that you will eventually have to take, so start now. I have not lost my creativity because I insisted my doctor put me on something else when a medicine dulled my out. Keep trying doctors to find one who understands that we must have our creativity to be whole.

Fernando's picture

Agree but disagree....

It will get worse...but meds are not always the answer. i no longer believe in medication to "help" with this disorder. At least not current methods. I'm a type I with rapid cycling and have an over active defensive mechanism. Tried cycling through doctors, several combination of meds (since one isn't enough), and been to countless individual/group therapy sessions. the pills only worked for a short time before the dose had to be increased or new cocktails experimented with. Not much help. Increased my thoughts/attempts at self-termination instead of nullifying them, killed many natural drives, and they can be hard to come down from. Just as my opinion, meds and docs are not the whole solution to "getting better". i despise the fact there are very few accepted/known alternatives to maintaining stability with such a disorder. but there are others out there besides routinely taking some pills to become chemically balance for a time. all depends on perspective and experience with coping with this in an individuals life course. Best of luck if you choose meds...more if alternatives are sought.

Fernando's picture

....nothing but mere shadows and dust....

Not really a morbid statement. But its true. Though we are part of the collective infected on this Earth, we are just like the rest of our brethren...we are human. Yet, instead of seeing this world through a telescope that allows us to narrowly view the course, we see it with the kaleidoscope of emotional arrays and spectrum. Learning to deal with our malfunctions as well as developing ways to cope is paramount to a bipolar. As far as meds are concerned....that is up to each individual. But I do wish you the best if that is the course you want to take.

It is often the most random times my "switch" is triggered or shut off. The only thing bad is the rapid-cycling. One day, will arise to take the whole world on with one hand behind my back...then the next if not a few later as if I just exist without a purpose. Just pulled out of a depression cycle a few weeks back and am happy to say it was done with no help but personal remedies. During that time, my quill dried and poetry ceased. As frustrating as it may be, its better to just take a break and let the ride even out before proceeding. Write down abstract thoughts you have or are dwelling on in a notebook next to your books. They don't even have to make sense for it is just for the sake of tricking your mind into believing it can write through such harsh times. When that fails, at least you have some interesting material to read during the rise into normal levels or mania. Just remember...though everything may be wanted in the here and now, there are something that are best gazed upon for a few moments before the answer is reviled. Trust me, I'm the same way...like a cat chasing a laser it will never catch, won't give up until the answer is in my grasp.

I'd be more than happy to share the research found, personal experience, as well as advice collected.

Fernando's picture

A bit of advice

Its part of the condition. Sleepless night, nostalgic feelings, or just being too tired all the time. The hardest part about this illness is it differs from person to person. Since diagnoses at 13, I have been on a never ending quest for a cure. Ten years later, still haven't found one. And that's just it. There isn't one for all. Each "cure" created is for the individual, by the individual or with outside aid. One may play sports rather than write when feeling downed or oppressed. It all depends on the outlet. Being able to accept oneself as what they really are is often the hardest part due to the overwhelming notion to try and fit in with the rest of the crowd. Therefore, some clam up and go away inside and let others take over. This brings us back to the psychologist. From my experience, they are there for initial diagnoses, medication, and mediation between you and the psychiatrist. If you have questions, bring them up! Last thing you want is to be dosed up on meds you don't even need or a misdiagnoses. Always, if not eternally, question when it comes down to dealing with this issue. The more you know, the more you can help yourself and address the areas that need attention with the disorder.

Anonymous's picture

bipolar divinity

Would God cause such hardship so that we could have more insightfulness? That was a very strong concern of mine for a few years. Praying has been a better resource for me. I need to center on the peace and love that eminates from a heartfelt relationship with God. And medictions are not an afront to divinity. Peace.