Neuropsychiatry of creativity

Marco Mula; Bruce Hermann; Michael R Trimble

doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.12.050

Neuropsychiatry of creativity

Epilepsy Behav. 2016 Apr;57(Pt B):225-9. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.12.050. Epub 2016 Feb 11.

Authors

Marco Mula¹, Bruce Hermann², Michael R Trimble³

Affiliations

¹ Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St. George's University Hospital and Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St. George's University of London, London, UK. Electronic address: mmula@sgul.ac.uk.
² Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
³ UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.

PMID: 26876274
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.12.050

Abstract

In this paper, we review in brief the development of ideas that over time have tried to explain why some individuals are more creative than others and what may be the neurobiological links underlying artistic creativity. We note associations with another unique human idea, that of genius. In particular, we discuss frontotemporal dementia and bipolar, cyclothymic mood disorder as clinical conditions that are helping to unravel the underlying neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of human creativity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Epilepsy, Art, and Creativity".

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Creativity; Dementia; Frontal lobe.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bipolar Disorder / psychology*
Creativity*
Dementia / physiopathology*
Frontal Lobe / physiopathology*
Humans
Neuropsychiatry*