• The Straight Dope on Insanity vs. Creativity

  Although humans intuitively recognize a link between insanity and creativity, Researchers at the Karolinska Instituten in Stockholm, Sweden have found a scientific link between the two.

  “We have studied the brain and the dopamine D2 receptors, and have shown that the dopamine system of healthy, highly creative people is similar to that found in people with schizophrenia,” says associate professor Fredrik Ullén from Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Woman and Child Health.

  In essence, they’ve discovered a correlation between a lower number of dopamine D2 receptors between the thalamus and the brain in both highly creative and schizophrenic people. 

  Ullén hypothesizes that lack of D2 receptors creates a lower level of signal filtration between sensory stimulation and the brain: the higher flow of information leads to the uncommon connections in problem solving for creative people and the “bizarre associations” of people deemed mentally ill. 

  Exercising his own dopamine receptors, Ullén summarized his findings by stating,

  Thinking outside the box might be facilitated by having a somewhat less intact box.

  Let’s hope the good doctor can get some well deserved rest and some much needed sun.

  —CurlyAni

  Full Article: Karolinska Institutet Press Release

  Tagged: insanity creativity dopamine karolinska ullen schizophrenia

  Posted on May 18, 2010 ()

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