Smarter children could be more likely to develop bipolar disorder, scientists say

The researchers found that those, who showed greater maniac traits, were the ones who had a greater IQ in the childhood.

Bipolar disorder is thought to affect one in 100 people in the UK and is characterised by periods of depression followed by episodes of mania, during which people can feel extraordinarily happy, ambitious and creative.

New research by scientists at the Universities of Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff and Texas suggests that serious disorders of mood such as bipolar disorder may be the price that human beings have had to pay for more adaptive traits such as intelligence, creativity and verbal proficiency.

Participants who received a score within the top 10 percent of manic traits were found to have a childhood IQ that is close to 10 points higher compared to those who were included in the lower 10 percent of the group. The association between IQ and manic features appeared to be strongest for verbal IQ (VIQ).

‘A possible link between bipolar disorder and intelligence and creativity has been discussed for many years and several studies have suggested a link.

The findings will inform future genetic studies at the interface of intelligence, creativity and bipolar disorder and will “help with efforts to improve approaches to the earlier detection of bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults“, he added.

Chief Executive of Bipolar UK, Suzanne Hudson said that considering the increase in requests for supporting parents and families of children, admitted to their institute; any study that caters to “identify people more at risk of developing bipolar disorder is vitally important”.

Symptoms of the disorder include difficulty sleeping, self-doubt, feeling of guilt, suicidal thoughts and feelings of unworthiness.

As reported by Treat Depression, smart and intelligent people in their quest to find the deeper meaning of life and the “chaotic word” become sad. The serious disorders of mood such as bipolar disorder may be a result of more adaptive traits such as intelligence, creativity and verbal proficiency, said the research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.

A Finnish study led by Jari Tiihonen, associated with University of Kuopio in Finland also showed connection between high grade achievers and bipolar disorders, albeit through arithmetic methods.

James MacCabe, who led this study said, “These findings provide support for the hypothesis that exceptionally intellectual ability is associated with bipolar disorder”.

Celebrities who have battled bipolar include Stephen Fry, Bill Oddie and Russell Brand.