Intellect linked to bipolar risk
05/02/2010Young people with exceptional intellectual and academic ability are at greater risk of suffering from mental health issues associated with bipolar disorder, a recent study published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists has found.
Straight-A students are almost four times as likely to develop bipolar disorder as those who get average grades, the research suggests.
Dr James MacCabe, senior lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, said: "There are a lot of examples of people who have high levels of creativity and also have bipolar disorder.
"What this study adds is the scientific evidence - at the population level using a very large sample - that there is probably an association between high academic achievement and risk [of the condition]."
He added that in most people, it doesn't manifest itself until early adulthood, with symptoms often developing once sufferers are in their 20s.
Statistics from the Mental Health Foundation indicate that women are more likely to have been treated for a mental health problem than men.
© ActiveQuote Health Ltd. 2010
Categories: Health
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