Psychology Addict # 13 | Mental Abnormality & Creativity

Mentally disturbed geniuses

When the minds of certain famous historical characters are analysed their creative capacity is often linked to their madness or anguish. They were mostly artists: In music for example, there is Mozart, who is now believed to have presented obsessive-compulsive, manic behaviour and nervous tics, which leads some psychologists to diagnose him in retrospect with Gilles de la Tourette’s Syndrome. But, the most famous artist in history recognised for both his creativity and mental distress is undoubtedly Vincent Van Gogh, who in older psychiatric literature was regarded as a ‘creative psychopath’. This diagnosis, however, has now been shifted; nowadays he is rather perceived as someone who suffered from bipolar disorder.

Some mental function abnormalities compromise the focus as well as the levels of motivation of those afflicted by them. Consequently, psychologists consider a variety of factors when exploring the coexistence of creativity and mental health issues. Artists and scientists are prone to work on their projects at an obsessive level, sometimes even to the point of neglecting their personal interests - often an aspect of asociality. Isaac Newton’s reclusive nature and alleged virginity illustrate this point quite well. He is yet another historical genius figure currently thought to have suffered from mental illness (probably bipolar or autism). On the same note, manic individuals tend to display uncommon energy which is often channelled to their industry, as demonstrated by the effort Mozart put into his compositions.

Depth psychology on creativity & Social acceptance

Depth psychology puts forward an intriguing explanation for creativity, claiming that it is a phenomenon present in either those individuals who are prone to regression, or that it is a product of not properly growing up (fixation). As for the creation of paintings, for example, Freudians put it down to the sublimation of faecal smearing; further indicating that immaturity is what prompts the works of geniuses. However, this generalisation is only seen through the creation of popular musicians and lyricists, who appear to produce their finest artwork in their late teens and early adult years. In summary, depth psychology mainly focuses on the fact that mental abnormality and creativity are both originated in the unconscious mind; this is to say that creativity is a means individuals (unconsciously) find to turn socially unacceptable urges into acceptable ones.

But, if creativity has more to do with consequences than causes? Don't novel scientific and artistic creations often transgress and disrupt conventions? And are subjected to criticism and contempt? Well, those afflicted by mental abnormalities go against conventions with no insight or careful consideration. Thus, both creativity and madness can be identified as a form of transgression. The difference being that the former finds its way into social approval, either generally or partially; while the latter invites ridicule. The risk to experiment with the preposterous is what they hold in common above all.

Whatever originates creativity (psychological determiners, inherited characteristics or environmental ones), and perhaps, therefore transgression, the final verdict is always pronounced by society, which ultimately lends a negative or positive worth on the creation and the mind behind it. This is, of course, applicable to those who give in to the frames of conventions. As for the people who remain open to experimentation and withstand narrow rationality, creativity is rather seen as a causality dilemma (does being ingenious cause them anguish, or being mentally distressed makes them creative?) to be nurtured. Take the poet Rilke, for example, who abandoned his psychotherapy sessions after finding out its purposes, and famously stated:

‘if my devils are to leave me, I am afraid my angels will take flight as well’.

[Original content by Abigail Dantes - 2017]

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Reference list:

Amadeus (1984), Directed by Milos Forman |Film|. United States, Saul Zaentz.

Gleick, James (2004) Isaac Newton, New York, Vintage.

Pilgrim, D. (2017) Key Concepts in Mental Health, London, SAGE.

Image source: 1, 2

Thanks to @foundation for this beautiful gif