Hi TheSeaCat. I read the articles you referenced, and there were some interesting observations in them. This is definitely not the first time I've read about possible links between intelligence and/or creativity and bipolar disorder. I have met plenty of intelligent and creative people with the disorder over the last 14 years since my diagnosis, and plenty of others whose talents are not as apparently noteworthy.

What I fear is that this thread could become a brag fest, or make others wonder why they feel more "normal", or even challenged in these realms.

What I will say about myself is that I was always passionate about life, until the periods during and after my worst episodes. I was a very interested student, and raised my hand to contribute more than anyone else in my classes. I worked hard, when psychologically able. Extremely hard when hypomanic. During hyomanic periods, my brain and energy levels were supercharged. That definitely helped push me beyond more normal limits, at least for myself.

I have become full blown manic in the past, several times, even with psychosis. Though I can't speak for others who've experienced full mania, I can say that when I'm full manic, my thinking becomes disjointed/chaotic... often scary. When I, after-the-fact, compare any perceived creativity and brilliance during those periods with that of my hypomanic or stable periods, the latter is always superior.

I'm again passionate about a number of things, and yet disabled in ways. I have my creative moments mixed with some mental blockages. I'm happy that some past cognitive impairment has eased. I'm happy that my past adventures, struggles, and recovery have widened my knowledge about many things and opened my mind to things I could not fully see in my youthful "glory days".