Genes for Psychosis and Creativity

The abstract of a research report posted online on July 6th by the journal Psychological Science:

Genes for Psychosis and Creativity: A Promoter Polymorphism of the Neuregulin 1 Gene Is Related to Creativity in People With High Intellectual Achievement

By Szabolcs Kéri

Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest H1083, Balassa u. 6, Hungary

Abstract

Why are genetic polymorphisms related to severe mental disorders retained in the gene pool of a population? A possible answer is that these genetic variations may have a positive impact on psychological functions. Here, I show that a biologically relevant polymorphism of the promoter region of the neuregulin 1 gene (SNP8NRG243177/rs6994992) is associated with creativity in people with high intellectual and academic performance. Intriguingly, the highest creative achievements and creative-thinking scores were found in people who carried the T/T genotype, which was previously shown to be related to psychosis risk and altered prefrontal activation.

Posting of this abstract is for the purposes of research into psychosis.

Also see:

Genetic link between mental illness, creativity: Study