In an article titled, “Are Genius and Madness Related? Contemporary Answers to an Ancient Question,” the article initially describes how psychopathology or the study of mental disorders is related to creativity, and claims this idea originates with Aristotle. Many of the sources involve empirical research, which is study using observation and experience, not theory and logic. The four perhaps subtypes are that of historiometric, psychiatric, and psychometric.
Historiometric is a way to study a topic based on, “objective and quantitative analysis” (Simonton). The focus is on those who create and whether there is a presence of mental illness symptoms. Creative types are twice as likely to experience symptoms of mental disorders. Some of the most common disorders are depression, alcoholism, and suicide. It is also important to note that not all creative professions experience these symptoms at the same rate, and, for example, artists rates are lower than that of scientists. Famous poets realize these symptoms at a rate of about 87%, while scientists only have symptoms at a rate of 28%, about the rate of the population. This shows that some of them are nearly normal. It is essential to realize the genetic component, of psychopathological disorders in relation to genius. Also noted is that more than one source mentions that family members that came before have these disorders.
As for Psychiatric research, the numbers are interpreted in a different way. It is based on both clinical diagnosis and therapeutic treatments for creators. Unlike a historiometric search, it does not require a look at past material in related studies. The study of mental illness reflects current standards. Psychiatric studies tend to find higher rates of mental illness, especially in that of artists. Like the historiometric study highlighted, the psychiatric study also found that disorders such as depression, alcoholism, and suicide. This sort of study also pointed a genetic component in relation to both mental illness and creativity.
In Psychometric research, common assessments are used. The group sampled with either include a control group or the creative group themselves will vary greatly. There are a variety of tests used to measure a group’s psychopathology. Generally, creative individuals possess above average for symptoms associated with mental illness. The testing seems to show that the more creative a person was, the higher the score on a clinical scale. Artists tend to have increased scores for psychopathology, while scientists have lower scores. However, the time for administering these “classic” tests is long gone, as most of them were completed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. One of the tests or studies done by a man named Eysenck, who did his study based on previous work. Nowadays, research focuses on certain components related to the general topic. The psychometric writings provide useful knowledge based on experience and observation, allowing for revelation in relation to mental disorders.
Though mental illness and genius are connected, they are not the same thing. It seems that mental health is negatively related to creativity. This is shown by the demonstrated historiometric, psychometric, and psychiatric evidence. This shows that mental illness does not assist creativity, but deters its growth. Also important is the fact that many creative or artistic people cannot truly be categorized as mentally. Significant to acknowledge is the fact that many creators do not express any sort of symptoms relating to psychopathology.
Surprising about this article is the fact that it claims that there is not a significant positive correlation between psychopathology and creativity. Furthermore, the fact that many creative types do not exhibit signs or symptoms of mental illness. Interesting is the fact that there are so many ways to accurately prove something. So, though there is a misconception that those who experience mental illness are geniuses, this is not true. However, that is not to discount the connection between mental illness and genius. It is significant to note that many more artists than scientists experience mental disorders. Perhaps it is the formulation of their brains, as it is clear that a pianist has developed different areas of their brain in comparison to a pharmacist. What also can be noted is the studies on Mr. Albert Einstein. As his brain was photographed and then cut into two hundred forty pieces, it became clear that his brain developed differently.
The surprising thing about this piece is the way that it spins itself towards the end. In the beginning, it convinces the reader of the link between mental illness and genius, only to explain later that it is not fully accurate and that it is not correctly proven. What is interesting is the way that it is done by the author. He writes rather convincingly, bringing credibility to his name, citing multiple sources, and bringing to light many surprising facts, only to deny all that he has written. In conclusion, it is crucial to fully read and understand what one is curious about and question it as such.
https://pro.psychcentral.com/are-genius-and-madness-related-contemporary-answers-to-an-ancient-question-2/00330.html
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