March 1998 PMID 9533970

Creativity and mental illness: is there a link?

C Waddell

Mentions

22
Peak: 4 in Jun 2022
across 3 sources since Mar 2018

Extended reach

7,893,409
potential audience

Total likes

324,173

Video views

7,868,639

Mentions per month

Mar 2018 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter15 posts
  • News4 articles
  • YouTube3 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions emphasize the lack of reliable evidence linking creativity and mental illness, with example comments criticizing stereotypes and referencing research studies. The tone is analytical yet skeptical, with phrases like 'most studies had flaws' and questions about myths, which highlight a balanced attempt to evaluate the scientific claims and social narratives around this topic.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions reflect skepticism about the claimed link, citing the lack of strong evidence and highlighting methodological flaws in existing studies.

InterestHigh interest

Participants are highly engaged with the topic, questioning widespread myths and debating social implications, indicating strong interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

The comments show some depth, referencing specific studies and concepts like the 'myth of the mad genius', suggesting moderate engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions influence perceptions by challenging stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced understanding, though they do not appear to provoke major societal change.

Abstract in brief

  • The review analyzed 29 studies and 34 reviews on the link between creativity and mental illness, finding that most studies had methodological flaws and lacked strong evidence for a causal connection.
  • About half of the original studies found no link, while some indicated a positive association, but overall, the scientific evidence remains limited and inconclusive.
  • Despite the weak or mixed evidence, many authors continue to promote a connection between creativity and mental illness, which raises concerns about the reliability of these claims and their social implications.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Rajiv Prabhakar
@rajivprab · X

Just watched a cool video on the "myth of the mad genius". Can anyone confirm this is an accurate representation of the literature? https://t.co/fETo1qDEVY

Jun 26, 2022 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 15,850 followers View post →
orion77
@orion7710 · X

@Patbrdh the myth that creativity is inextricably linked to psychopathology is widespread and controversial. None of the following studies: "Sawyer RK. Creativity and mental illness: is there a link? November 2, 2012. https://t.co/9nvFh5l4R7. Accessed March 4, 2014." found a link 3/

Oct 18, 2022 · 1 like · 1,496 followers View post →
Lazovka Lazovovska
@LazovkaL · X

https://t.co/NMu6Jq18HH

May 13, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 159 followers View post →
gaby shami @ gabriel chami 1970
@gaby_chami · X

Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? https://t.co/JOzeMCMPJd

Feb 7, 2025 · 1,308 followers View post →
gaby shami @ gabriel chami 1970
@gaby_chami · X

Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? https://t.co/JOzeMCMPJd

Dec 16, 2024 · 1,308 followers View post →
Izuchukwu_UIX⚗️
@JosephIzuu · X

Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? Is there a link between creativity and mental health in Nigeria?

Aug 30, 2024 · 1,158 followers View post →

All mentions

Lazovka Lazovovska
@LazovkaL · X

ARTISTS ARE NOT CREATIVE/HAVE MENTAL ILLNESSES AND ARE STEREOTYPIC = AVOID THEM & BE CREATIVE? Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link?

Sep 13, 2025 · 159 followers View post →
gaby shami @ gabriel chami 1970
@gaby_chami · X

Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? https://t.co/JOzeMCMPJd

Feb 7, 2025 · 1,308 followers View post →
gaby shami @ gabriel chami 1970
@gaby_chami · X

Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? https://t.co/JOzeMCMPJd

Dec 16, 2024 · 1,308 followers View post →
Izuchukwu_UIX⚗️
@JosephIzuu · X

Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? Is there a link between creativity and mental health in Nigeria?

Aug 30, 2024 · 1,158 followers View post →
Bishal Ghimire
@bishal_ghimire · X

https://t.co/Uc6BtyOgsT Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? https://t.co/5x9Mupkocj https://t.co/Wi08s6hTIi

May 20, 2024 · 955 followers View post →
The RoseMarie
@rose_ukaegbu · X

Creativity and mental illness. Is there a link?

May 14, 2024 · 572 followers View post →
Lazovka Lazovovska
@LazovkaL · X

RT @LazovkaL: https://t.co/NMu6Jq18HH

May 13, 2024 · 1 share · 159 followers View post →
Lazovka Lazovovska
@LazovkaL · X

https://t.co/NMu6Jq18HH

May 13, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 159 followers View post →
Ko Sai
@MangakaSai · X

Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? https://t.co/RcGl6TVV8d

Mar 13, 2024 · 410 followers View post →
orion77
@orion7710 · X

@Patbrdh the myth that creativity is inextricably linked to psychopathology is widespread and controversial. None of the following studies: "Sawyer RK. Creativity and mental illness: is there a link? November 2, 2012. https://t.co/9nvFh5l4R7. Accessed March 4, 2014." found a link 3/

Oct 18, 2022 · 1 like · 1,496 followers View post →
hessie lee
@LeeHessi07 · X

https://t.co/G9kDpelUIA

Aug 4, 2022 · 53 followers View post →
Ray Beament
@BeamentRay · X

RT @rajivprab: Just watched a cool video on the "myth of the mad genius". Can anyone confirm this is an accurate representation of the lite…

Jun 26, 2022 · 2 shares · 573 followers View post →
jnr.
@buagod · X

RT @rajivprab: Just watched a cool video on the "myth of the mad genius". Can anyone confirm this is an accurate representation of the lite…

Jun 26, 2022 · 2 shares · 214 followers View post →
Rajiv Prabhakar
@rajivprab · X

Just watched a cool video on the "myth of the mad genius". Can anyone confirm this is an accurate representation of the literature? https://t.co/fETo1qDEVY

Jun 26, 2022 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 15,850 followers View post →
pj
@sparynda · X

#Creativity and mental illness: Is there a link? https://t.co/fUbe3hJFTw

Apr 7, 2021 · 341 followers View post →
Creativity and Manic Depressive Illness | Science
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https://doi.org/10.1177/070674379804300206 · Crossref. Loading... Citation information is sourced from Crossref Cited-by service. View Options. View options.

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Manic Depression and Creativity | Science
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Creativity and Mental Illness: Is There a Link?, The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 43, 2, (166-172), (1998).https://doi.org/10.1177/070674379804300206.

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Creativity and psychopathology: a relationship of shared neurocognitive 10.1177/070674379804300206 vulnerabilities In: E Rex, O Jung and O Vartanian ...

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Kreativnost I Mentalno Zdravlje - Vukšić | PDF
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Music and madness: DOI:10.1177/070674379804300206. Neuropsychiatric aspects of music. Clinical Medicine, 9(1), 83 – 86. DOI:10.7861/clinmedicine.9-1-83 ...

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