Psychotic_Phil, Ive been reading some of your posts, and I have a ton of things in common with you, I am a couple years older. Ive been asking the same questions also. To let you know a little about my condition, Ive been diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety in the past, but have also been through psychotic episodes which I interpreted as schizophrenia, Im still not sure what it is though.

Im also a very intelligent person with a high IQ, I got all A's throughout elementary school and did up until I started to develop symptoms of Depression and mental illness. Sometimes even now I think Im too smart for my own good. Ive taken IQ tests in the past and have gotten 135-145, which is very smart and way above average, some even say genius level starts at 140. For some time I seriously had to "play dumb" to even fit in in school, it was a rough time in my life.

My mental illness has seriously interfered with my intelligence and my success so far. I dont believe that I have gotten any dumber, but the main thing is Im not happy and I cant concentrate, my mind has strayed to other subjects much different than school. I have refused to take medication for the past few years, because when I did take it, I didnt feel like myself at all. If anything, the medication even interfered more and lowered with my natural intelligence. So my answer for your main question based on my experiences would be yes. The main thing is that it will make your mind stray a lot, but in reality you havent gotten any less intelligent even if it seems you have.

If you ever wish to have a conversation or discussion with me on any topic, I will be more than glad to. I am in much of the same situation as you.