Weird Behavior And Creativity Shown To Be Linked :: General Science

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September 15, 2005

Weird Behavior And Creativity Shown To Be Linked

Topics: General Science
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These images summarize the results of near infrared spectroscopy scans of schizotypes, schizophrenics and normal controls during divergent thinking tasks. Image (a) illustrates where the probe holder was placed for the brain scan. Image (b) shows the increase in oxyhemoglobin, which corresponds to an increase in brain activity, that occurred in both the right and left hemispheres of all three groups. Image (c) shows the increase in oxyhemoglobin in the right hemisphere of schizotypes compared to normal controls, while image (d) illustrates the much greater activation in schizotypes over schizophrenics. Image (e), which compares the different reaction of schizophrenics and normal controls, shows no difference between the two groups.

It looks like there's a reason that some people with wierd behavior, like Vincent van Gogh, for example, can be so creative. Researchers report that their results suggest schizotypes and other psychoses-prone populations draw on the left and right sides of their brains differently than the average population, and this use of the brain for a variety of tasks may be related to enhanced creativity.

People called "weird" by their peers may have a leg up in life, at least in one respect.

Researchers have found that a quirky or socially awkward approach to life, often considered a hindrance, may be a key to becoming a great artist, composer or inventor.

The researchers studied people with "schizotypal" personalities--who act oddly, but aren't mentally ill--and found they're more creative than either normal or fully schizophrenic people. To access their creativity, these people rely heavily on the right sides of their brains.

Many believe that schizotypal personality disorder represents mild schizophrenia. The disorder is characterized by odd forms of thinking and perceiving, and individuals with this disorder often seek isolation from others. They sometimes believe to have extra sensory ability or that unrelated events relate to them in some important way. They generally engage in eccentric behavior and have difficulty concentrating for long periods of time. Their speech is often over elaborate and difficult to follow.

Hat tip - Harry Owens

Additional reading:
Creativity and schizotypal traits. Creativity test scores and perceptual aberration, magical ideation, and impulsive nonconformity.

Negative Schizotypal Traits in the Relation of Creativity to Psychopathology

Posted by Richard at September 15, 2005 9:54 PM

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