Are smarter people more likely to have mental illness?

Intelligent people are twice as likely to suffer from mental illness as ordinary people.

Scientists believe that it is possible that intelligent people have a higher ability to perceive things, so their minds are also more sensitive.

In addition, intelligent people often have health problems caused by anxiety. The study was conducted by scientists at Pitzer College (USA) on the community of people with the highest IQ in the world, according to Daily Mail.

More intelligent people may be more susceptible to mental illness.

A rare syndrome has made Gabriel Gomes (12 years old, in Brasilia, Brazil) much taller than his peers.

The study found that 20% of the group suffered from anxiety and depression. This is twice as high as the 10% of the general population who suffer from these conditions. Experts say the study provides an unprecedented insight into the link between intelligence and mental illness.

The higher rates of mental health problems in intelligent people may be because they are more aware of their surroundings and social interactions, which can make them more sensitive, explains Dr. Nicole Tetreault, one of the study's authors.

In addition, the research team also examined the link between high intelligence levels and psychological problems and the body's immune and physiological responses. They found that more intelligent people had a higher rate of psychological problems as well as a higher risk of asthma, allergies and inflammation, according to the Daily Mail.