3 ms·

The only health problems associated with higher intelligence (as opposed to either low intelligence or completely independent of intelligence) are [1] high func

by nibs 11y ago

The only health problems associated with higher intelligence (as opposed to either low intelligence or completely independent of intelligence) are [1] high functioning autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Two can be treated with pills when they are disruptive with relatively high success, and the other (Autism) is to me not a particularly net negative condition when high functioning (several immediately family members have it, so this is anecdotal). So the only byproduct of selecting for these genes, is it would compound the likelihood of one of these conditions. It sounds like your friend was in a period of disintegration [2]. Happens to most gifted people at some point early in life. [1] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/12122545/Intelligent-people-are-genetically-predisposed-to-be-healthier-experts-find.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/1212254... [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_Disintegration https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_Disintegration

aidenn0 11y ago
Note that a combined diagnosis of schizophrenia and biopolar, has very high rates of suicide (over 10% if left untreated).
ultimape 11y ago
"high functioning" kind of autism is a misnomer - even if you aren't the kind that bangs their head on the floor / avoided being non-verbal, life can be quite challenging. I agree that it isn't necessarily a net negative, but the success of an individual on the spectrum seems highly conditional on life circumstances. The thing is, genetics for autism also seem to produce people with adhd (reciently rolled into the spectrum) and generally coincide with decreased ability in executive function - leading to the absent minded professor syndrome. It also has a high prevalence of sensory processing disorder which can lead to a lot of issues with dealing with day-to-day life. Even in cases where people with ASD happen to be of above average intelligence, it doesn't necessarily lead to success. I score 99% percentile in almost all academic areas, but I can't even feed myself right now. I'm functionally retarded when it comes to interacting with people half the time and the high-stress that comes from normal every day things means I might as well be agoraphobic. Under the right conditions I have no doubt that I can flourish. I'm actively engaged in getting my life back on track (grew up in poverty, diagnosed late in life) but there's a reason that suicide rates and general unemployment levels for people on the spectrum are astronomical compared to the general population.
- nibs 11y ago
  I agree with this. I would be ADHD if my parents sent me to school and/or believed in those diagnoses. I have yet to meet a gifted child male that does not qualify as ADHD. It is interesting to hear what you have mastered vs. struggled with. I can't say that my anecdotal evidence suggests that people always get a net benefit, just that in the right environment, people with autism can have complete, fulfilling and engaging lives. Unfortunately it seems to take a lot of will power and brute force intelligence to make it so, and not everyone is successful.

by nibs 11y ago

aidenn0 11y ago

Note that a combined diagnosis of schizophrenia and biopolar, has very high rates of suicide (over 10% if left untreated).

ultimape 11y ago

"high functioning" kind of autism is a misnomer - even if you aren't the kind that bangs their head on the floor / avoided being non-verbal, life can be quite challenging. I agree that it isn't necessarily a net negative, but the success of an individual on the spectrum seems highly conditional on life circumstances. The thing is, genetics for autism also seem to produce people with adhd (reciently rolled into the spectrum) and generally coincide with decreased ability in executive function - leading to the absent minded professor syndrome. It also has a high prevalence of sensory processing disorder which can lead to a lot of issues with dealing with day-to-day life. Even in cases where people with ASD happen to be of above average intelligence, it doesn't necessarily lead to success. I score 99% percentile in almost all academic areas, but I can't even feed myself right now. I'm functionally retarded when it comes to interacting with people half the time and the high-stress that comes from normal every day things means I might as well be agoraphobic. Under the right conditions I have no doubt that I can flourish. I'm actively engaged in getting my life back on track (grew up in poverty, diagnosed late in life) but there's a reason that suicide rates and general unemployment levels for people on the spectrum are astronomical compared to the general population.

nibs 11y ago
I agree with this. I would be ADHD if my parents sent me to school and/or believed in those diagnoses. I have yet to meet a gifted child male that does not qualify as ADHD. It is interesting to hear what you have mastered vs. struggled with. I can't say that my anecdotal evidence suggests that people always get a net benefit, just that in the right environment, people with autism can have complete, fulfilling and engaging lives. Unfortunately it seems to take a lot of will power and brute force intelligence to make it so, and not everyone is successful.