Are Creative People Considered Borderline Schizophrenics?

About a week ago, I was reading one of the many newsletters I receive and this headline caught my eye, “Creativity, Schizophrenia Share Similarities in the Brain.”

Of course, this got me to thinking—and wondering if maybe I should stop thinking.

According to a recently released study from Sweden, both creative people and schizophrenics share a common amount of dopamine in the brain. It stated that dopamine, along with serotonin, is a powerful neurotransmitter, which sends messages via the nerve cells in the brain.

Many problem-solving tests were conducted in order to find highly creative “specimens” to compare the D2 receptors of their brains to those of schizophrenics. In both cases, D2 receptors were low.

Researchers then pointed out that highly creative people in general have a higher likelihood of mental illness in their family. Further, it went on to say, “Creativity itself has also been associated with modestly higher risk for both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.”

Lastly, researchers concluded that both groups shared a talent of “drawing unusual, sometimes bizarre links between thoughts and concepts.” And that this might explain why creative—and mentally handicapped—people provide less obvious solutions to problems.

Well, at least researchers said we were talented.

I, however, take this research with a grain of salt. I am thankful that I draw atypical conclusions and provide “out-of-the-box” thinking. If I didn’t, my world may be filled with too much grey and not enough color.

Please read the article, and then share with us what you have to say about the research and it’s meaning.

Caution: Atypical thinking and problem solving may be required. Are you up for the challenge?

Ciao!

Becky