The Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity: Exploring Physiological Effects and Artistic Expression
There is a widespread belief that many artists who have been exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder are, to an extent, more creative because of their condition. Additionally, different levels of creativity have been associated with either the manic or the depressive phase (Cruz et al., 2022). In the first case, while a person may lack an emotional depth to the paintings, sculptures, music, or literature, the high energy motivates the artist to create.
Hence, creativity is generated due to a dynamic and lively state and increased self-esteem, allowing the individual to try new techniques or even art forms. A depressive phase, however, is accompanied by a more in-depth inner introspection. While the painter, writer, or musician will be less likely to be productive, the emotional depth experienced during such an episode can generate the desire to transform the feelings into a craft.
It was determined that the prefrontal cortex has a lower activation in individuals who are depressed compared to those in a manic state. As it is an emotional inhibitor, it can be highlighted that during depression, people with bipolar disorder feel more intensely. This generates art that is more expressive and indicative of the artist’s intense emotions, especially as the works correlate with a loss or an episode of despair. Even though a manic episode leads to weaker emotional experiences, the motivation to work facilitates artistic productivity, yet the results may appear less authentic and passionate. Additionally, the state hinders social inhibitors, allowing creative people to potentially collaborate with others and try new things in their craft.
Creativity and Madness: A Reflection on the Choice Between Genius and Sanity
Having impressively creative skills can be a burden. Artists including Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, and Vincent Van Gogh have all been highly talented yet have suffered from their mental illnesses (Fields, 2013). If I had to choose between madness and sanity, I would select the latter. Psychological conditions do not generate talent, creativity potential, or the ability to work intensely to share a thought or an idea. Instead, it can either maximize or hinder the aforementioned concepts. The person’s inner self is what facilitates creative expression, and it is vital to care for a person’s core, which includes managing conditions that minimize well-being.
References
Cruz, T. N., Camelo, E. V., Nardi, A. E., & Cheniaux, E. (2022). Creativity in bipolar disorder: A systematic review. Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. Web.
Fields, R. D. (2013). Creativity, madness, and drugs. Scientific American Blog Network. Web.