Does Math Lead to Psychosis?

Is there a connection between mathematical ability and psychosis or schizophrenia? Learn more about the correlation between math and mental health.

Does Math Lead to Psychosis?

Mental illness is often linked to genetics, but is there a connection between mathematical ability and psychosis or schizophrenia? A researcher from Iceland recently discovered that mathematics scholars have a higher incidence of psychosis than expected. The study of Icelanders with mathematical talent revealed that they had a higher risk of mental illness, as well as their family members. By linking academic records to data on the family distribution of psychosis, a pattern emerged that suggests high arousal plays a role in reasoning ability. John Nash, who won the Fields Medal for his contributions to mathematics, developed symptoms of schizophrenia in his thirties.

His work included extending game theory and addressing fourteen unsolved problems. The mathematician Grothendieck's search for form in all subjects eventually became a search for form and signal in all subjects. He was known to have stolen a math test for children issued by Washington State in tenth grade two years prior. He believed he should be able to do math without a calculator, so he tried to do it in his head, but eventually made mistakes and started forgetting numbers.

At the same time, there was an intelligent boy in his school who won math exams and had a serious depression. This raises the question: does math lead to psychosis?The answer is not clear-cut. While there is no genetic reason why mathematical ability should be linked to mental illness, the research suggests that there may be a correlation between the two. It is possible that high arousal associated with mathematical reasoning can lead to mental health issues such as psychosis or schizophrenia.

However, it is important to note that this correlation does not mean that everyone who excels at math will develop mental illness. It is also important to remember that mental illness can be caused by many factors, including genetics and environmental influences. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing any symptoms of mental illness.

Shahid Lakha
Shahid Lakha

Shahid Lakha is a seasoned educational consultant with a rich history in the independent education sector and EdTech. With a solid background in Physics, Shahid has cultivated a career that spans tutoring, consulting, and entrepreneurship. As an Educational Consultant at Spires Online Tutoring since October 2016, he has been instrumental in fostering educational excellence in the online tutoring space. Shahid is also the founder and director of Specialist Science Tutors, a tutoring agency based in West London, where he has successfully managed various facets of the business, including marketing, web design, and client relationships. His dedication to education is further evidenced by his role as a self-employed tutor, where he has been teaching Maths, Physics, and Engineering to students up to university level since September 2011. Shahid holds a Master of Science in Photon Science from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Bath.