Creativity and the Evolution of Psychopathologies

• Published in: Creativity research journal 2001-04, Vol.13 (2), p.145-148
• Main Authors: Ghadirian, A-M., Gregoire, P., Kosmidis, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1040-0419; 1532-6934
• DOI: 10.1207/S15326934CRJ1302_2

The relation between creativity and mental illness has been the object of significant interest and research in psychiatry. However, both psychopathology and creativity are issues of profound complexity, some aspects of which are yet to be explored. This study was designed to explore changes in creativity in relation to the type and degree of psychopathology in 2 groups of patients. Forty-four patients, consisting of 20 patients with manic depressive illness (bipolar disorder) and 24 patients suffering from other psychopathologies, participated in this study. There were 23 women (M age = 43.6) and 21 men (M age = 43.7). We applied a psychological battery of tests using measures for creativity, intelligence, and mood changes. All patients signed the informed consent form. The results are as follows: There was no difference in the creative abilities of patients with bipolar illness (creativity score: M = 104.4, SD = 44.9) as compared to those with other types of psychopathology (creativity score: M = 101.8, SD = 40.8). The study data were analyzed according to the degree of severity of illness, namely, mildly, moderately, or severely ill. Creativity was found to be at its highest level in patients who were moderately ill (creativity score: M = 118.3). The lowest creativity score (M = 62.1) was in the group of patients identified as severely ill. The difference was statistically significant (t = 4.35, p < .001).