A 2018 study found that members of Mensa, a group made up of individuals with high IQs, are more prone to psychological disorders such as mood disorders, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
It is common to associate anxiety with something negative, a mental state to be avoided. However, recent research reveals an intriguing facet: anxiety may be linked to high intelligence.
A 2018 study found that members of Mensa, a group made up of individuals with high IQs, are more prone to psychological disorders such as mood disorders, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Notably, 20% of Mensa members reported diagnoses of anxiety disorders, while 26% were diagnosed with other mood disorders.
In a study conducted by the IIS Society in 2023, which comprises individuals with even higher IQs than Mensa members, an interesting trend related to anxiety was observed. It is important to consider that the predisposition to take IQ tests often arises from behaviors that attract attention, whether positive or negative. This phenomenon suggests that those seeking IQ assessment may already display distinct behavioral traits. The study reveals a correlation between high IQ levels and a higher incidence of anxiety, raising questions about the psychological implications of these findings. Furthermore, when comparing with Mensa data, it becomes evident that the nuances of intelligence and its impact on mental health require further analysis.
This finding supports the “overactive brain-overactive body” theory, which examines the relationship between intelligence and physical and psychological reactions, especially those associated with stress.
In 2011, a credible study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) tend to worry more and have a higher IQ. This research used questionnaires and imaging technologies to evaluate 44 participants, of which 26 were diagnosed with GAD. These showed higher scores in both worry and IQ.
Emotional intelligence also appears to play an important role. A 2021 study suggests that different levels of emotional intelligence may be associated with emotional disorders, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and worry.
Furthermore, verbal intelligence may be particularly linked to feelings of worry, fear or anxiety. This form of intelligence, associated with linguistic ability, such as speaking, reading or writing, can be a determining factor. Research from 2015 found a direct link between anxiety and academic performance, showing that college students with higher levels of anxiety also achieved higher test scores.
Several reasons can explain this connection between high intelligence and anxiety. Highly intelligent people tend to approach matters more logically, which can be a hindrance in situations that require empathy rather than logic. Furthermore, greater self-awareness, a strong sense of observation, high levels of empathy and a constantly active mind can lead to a state of worry or mental overload.
Therefore, anxiety, far from being just a sign of weakness, can be an indication of a more agile and perceptive mind. This new perspective challenges our traditional conceptions of intelligence and mental health, paving the way for a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the complexities of the human brain.
References
Alexander M. Penney, Victoria C. Miedema, Dwight Mazmanian,
Intelligence and emotional disorders: Is the worrying and ruminating mind a more intelligent mind?, Personality and Individual Differences,Volume 74,2015,Pages 90-93, ISSN 0191-8869, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.10.005.
Coplan JD, Hodulik S, Mathew SJ, Mao X, Hof PR, Gorman JM, Shungu DC. The Relationship between Intelligence and Anxiety: An Association with Subcortical White Matter Metabolism. Front Evol Neurosci. 2012 Feb 1;3:8. doi: 10.3389/fnevo.2011.00008. PMID: 22347183; PMCID: PMC3269637.
Ruth I. Karpinski, Audrey M. Kinase Kolb, Nicole A. Tetreault, Thomas B. Borowski, High intelligence: A risk factor for psychological and physiological overexcitabilities, Intelligence,Volume 66,2018,Pages 8-23, ISSN 0160-2896, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2017.09.001.
