A psychobiographical analysis of Brian Douglas Wilson: Creativity, drugs, and models of schizophrenic and affective disorders

Abstract

The suggestion of a relationship between creativity and mental disorder has existed for centuries, and has been advocated by many psychological researchers. The present analysis offers a consideration of the nature of mental disorder present in Brian Wilson, an individual recognised as one of the most creative figures in 20th century popular music. Using converging biographical evidence, and the diagnostic program Opcrit, Wilson's diagnosis is concluded to be schizoaffective. Employing details of his drug abuse, various models of schizoaffective spectra are examined, in particular a reconsideration of the LSD model of schizophrenia. The model is shown to be useful for positive schizophrenic symptoms including overinclusion, a potentially key element of creativity. In doing so, this psychobiographical analysis allows examination of potential relationships between mental disorder and creativity, the effects of various narcotics on creativity and various elements of mental disorder, the efficacy of various drug models of psychotic disorders, and the overlap between psychotic and affective disorders.

The clinical significance of creativity in bipolar disorder

“…Not only does the artistic environment support substance use (see Table 1), but substances may, through mood effects, perform an important creativity-enhancing function. Alcohol has been noted as a self-medication for performance anxiety (Fehm & Schmidt, 2006), and cannabis and LSD are commonly used for creative intent (Belli, 2009; Fachner, 2006). In terms of psychosocial treatments, comorbid substance use problems may require separate attention using specialized strategies (Albanese & Pies, 2004; Vornik & Brown, 2006), which go beyond simple combination of the content specific to the two conditions (Conrod & Stewart, 2005; Quello, Brady, & Sonne, 2005).…”

“…Circadian rhythm instability plays a causal role in BD (Murray & Harvey, in press) and this vulnerability is moderated by social rhythms (Malkoff-Schwartz et al, 1998; Malkoff-Schwartz et al, 2000). Creative occupations are characterized by abnormal 24 hour activity patterns: Working hours are typically at night, with rehearsals and other engagements scheduled during the day (Belli, 2009). Exacerbating this instability is work-related travel, including travel across time zones, a known risk for BD relapse (Katz, Knobler, Laibel, Strauss, & Durst, 2002).…”

Creativity and Psychoactive Substance Use: A Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, Jones' (2007) findings showed that LSD changed a cartoon illustrator's style. Similarly, in Belli's (2009) case study, the modification of musical style was reported connected to substance use.…”

“…Belli (2009) Cannabis and LSD were unambiguously reported to influence Wilson's creativity. He smoked cannabis because of its auditory alteration.…”

Creativity in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

“…Ayrıca yaratıcı uygulamalar çalışanların da motivasyonunu olumlu etkilemektedir. [33,[39][40][41][42][43][44] Hemşireliğin profesyonel bir meslek olarak kabulü ve diğer meslek gruplarından ayrımı için kuramları denemeleri, eleştirmeleri ve geliştirmeleri beklenmektedir. [45] Nitekim günümüzde ruh sağlığı ve hastalıkları hemşirelerinin ilgi alanlarında kuram geliştirme, kuramları birbirleriyle birleş-tirme bulunmaktadır.…”