Highly intelligent people often experience anxiety due to heightened self-awareness, overthinking, hyper-awareness of threats, and the pressure to meet high expectations, leading to rumination, fear of failure, and feeling misunderstood in complex inner worlds, with some research suggesting links to neurobiological factors like choline levels or even a shared genetic predisposition for both intellect and mental sensitivity (psychological overexcitability), though other studies show mixed results.
The highly intelligent have also been shown to be more prone to mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety. They may fixate on the negatives, churning them over in their minds and activating a stress response in the body.
Yes, high achievers are often prone to anxiety due to perfectionist tendencies, fear of failure, and the pressure they place on themselves. The constant pursuit of excellence can lead to chronic stress and anxiety if not managed properly.
Some studies have found an association between giftedness and internalizing problems, which involve excessive control of emotions and behavior, anxiety, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, or excessive perfectionism [e.g., 11].
Giftedness amplifies social and emotional intensity, and can be tied to heightened sensitivity and reactivity to stress. Gifted kids may struggle with anxiety or perfectionistic tendencies and often feel like perpetual outliers.
Many highly intelligent individuals experience this paradox: the very cognitive abilities that make them insightful and analytical also predispose them to anxiety and overthinking. This relationship between anxiety and intelligence is complex, fascinating, and worthy of exploration.
From a personality trait perspective, individuals with high neuroticism scores were more likely to feel anxious than those with low scores, and introverted individuals experienced higher state anxiety than extroverted individuals, suggesting a correlation between anxiety traits, neuroticism and introversion.
The signs of high intellectual power in adults are similar to those in children. They include quick learning, interest in unique topics, and the ability to process information fast, among others.
Lady Gaga's IQ is widely rumored to be around 166, placing her in the "exceptionally gifted" or genius category, though this is an estimation often cited in celebrity lists, not a officially verified number from a public test. This high estimate is supported by her early academic achievements, like attending a summer program for the top 1% of students, and her demonstrated creative and musical genius as a composer and performer, notes Us Weekly and Brainmanager.io.
Gifted children and adults are expected to excel in school, careers, and problem-solving. However, emerging perspectives argue that exceptionally high intelligence might also represent a form of neurodivergence – a naturally occurring variation in brain function.
Chronic muscle tension represents one of the most common physical manifestations of high functioning anxiety. This tension often concentrates in the shoulders, neck, and jaw, creating a persistent state of physical constriction that can lead to headaches, soreness, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
Here are eight career ideas for people with anxiety:
A breakthrough genetic study found nearly 1,000 genes associated with intelligence and showed many variants that boost intelligence also raise autism risk. Research on high-IQ society members showed they had much higher rates of mood disorders, ADHD, and anxiety than national averages.
A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are. Other mental health disorders.
But some people with anxiety have high emotional intelligence. These individuals may be so aware of their actions and empathetic toward others that they overthink every feeling. Without the ability to self-regulate, they may let their thoughts take over, having trouble reacting positively to their triggers.
IQ tests are not perfect, not should they be used to create a class-ist society ruled by high testers. Paris Hilton has a 129 IQ and Andy Warhol's was 86. But who contributed more to society?
Nicole Kidman, whose shyness and stutter made her early years difficult, nevertheless showed an impressive aptitude for ballet and acting at a young age (and at one point had a reported IQ of 132).
Lady Gaga lives with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition causing widespread body pain, fatigue, "fibro fog," and mood issues, which she's openly shared to raise awareness, showing her struggles and treatment in her documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two and performances. She also deals with PTSD and previously suffered a significant leg injury, leading her to sometimes use mobility aids like canes, redefining disability representation for fans.
Overthinking Everything • They analyze situations from every angle, leading to indecision and second-guessing. It's a strength when solving problems but a curse when making simple choices. 3. Night Owls by Nature • Many intelligent people are most productive at night when distractions are minimal.
This article explores twelve indicators that have been scientifically linked to higher levels of intelligence, offering insights into the characteristics and behaviors of highly intelligent individuals.
Abstract. Fluid intelligence, which peaks near age 20 and declines materially across adulthood, is often regarded as the most critical cognitive ability for predicting important life outcomes. Yet, human achievement in domains such as career success tends to peak much later, typically between the ages of 55 and 60.
Signs or symptoms of anxiety
feeling shaky or trembly, dizzy or sweating more. being unable to concentrate or make decisions. trouble sleeping. worrying about the past or future, or thinking something bad will happen.
Supplement options
Although further studies are needed, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to anxiety and depression. Supplements may help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety in those who are deficient. Vitamin B complex supplements may also help lower stress and anxiety levels.
Defining high-functioning anxiety
They often are successful in careers or other roles, yet internally struggle with persistent feelings of stress, self-doubt and the fear of not measuring up. They feel extremely uncomfortable inside and struggle with significant self-criticism.