Schizophrenia Art: Is There A Connection Between Schizophrenia And Creativity?
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This condition is usually considered a spectrum, with individuals experiencing unique symptoms and presentations. Some people may wonder whether schizophrenia is connected to artistic creativity. Exploring the connection between this condition and artistic ability can be one way to learn more about the spectrum of abilities with which people with schizophrenia might identify. Those with schizophrenia may also consider asking the mental health professionals with whom they work if they could benefit from trying therapeutic art exercises.
Understanding schizophrenia: DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
In the fifth edition of the DSM, schizophrenia is classified under the “Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders” category. According to the DSM-5, several symptoms must be present for this condition to be diagnosed, including two or more of the following:
- Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing shadows others do not
- Delusions, or firmly held false beliefs
- Disorganized patterns of speech
- Disorganized or catatonic behavior
- Negative symptoms, such as diminished expression and lack of motivation
- Functional impairment in major areas of life, such as a person’s social and professional lives
In general, the above symptoms must last at least six months, including at least one month of symptoms in the “active phase.” In addition, other psychotic and psychological disorders usually must be ruled out. If the individual has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they must experience prominent delusions and hallucinations alongside other symptoms of schizophrenia for at least one month.
In the prior edition of the DSM (the DSM-IV), schizophrenia was organized into categories, including paranoid schizophrenia, disorganized schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia, undifferentiated schizophrenia, and residual schizophrenia. In the DSM-5, all schizophrenia presentations are labeled under the schizophrenia spectrum, showcasing the wide range of symptoms and experiences people with this condition can have.
Is there a connection between schizophrenia and creativity?
Several studies have been done on whether schizophrenia and creativity are connected. For example, a 2014 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders may have a higher level of the “openness” trait, which could increase the likelihood of original ideas.
Since art is often associated with originality and new ideas, some may find the artwork of people with schizophrenia to be creative, unique, and innovative. However, art and creativity tend to be subjective, and anyone can be an artist.
In a 2018 study in the Schizophrenia Research Journal, researchers looked at 42 studies on schizophrenia and creativity, using variables like creativity measure, severity of schizophrenia symptoms, and patient status. The results of the study showed that people with schizophrenia usually had higher nonverbal creative skills than verbal creative skills.
However, creativity was not highly associated with schizophrenia itself. The researchers concluded that people with psychotic episodes may have a small but positive correlation with creativity, but that not all people experiencing psychotic episodes may be living with schizophrenia. Instead, creativity may be a healthy coping behavior for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
The relationship between mental illness and creativity is often a debated topic in the psychological research community. Some studies have found that schizophrenia may be connected to an impairment in performance, whereas others show a higher amount of creativity and openness to new ideas. A 2020 study on white matter in the brain suggests that a lack of verbal creativity in individuals with schizophrenia may be due to impairment in white matter regions. However, further study is needed.
Art activities for schizophrenia
Despite schizophrenia not necessarily being connected to a higher creative ability, anyone can create art, and art can take any form. You do not have to have a mental illness or a lack of mental illness to partake in creation. If you enjoy art, you may still benefit, as studies show that art can be a healthy coping mechanism for improving mental health. Below are a few art activities people with schizophrenia can try as at-home “art therapy.”
Painting
Painting can be a way to put colors on canvas and create a scene of any type. Painting can be a way to express yourself with patterns, designs, images, or memories. Consider looking at other artists' paintings to find inspiration for the type of painting you might create. Below are a few prompts you can also consider for inspiration:
- A happy memory
- Colors that remind you of someone in your life
- An abstract rendition of the word “love”
- Golden hour
- Birds
- Your favorite memory
- A fictional setting
- A location you like to go to when you’re stressed
- A celebrity or public figure
- A self-portrait
- An underwater scene
- A city skyline
- Shapes, patterns, and colors you enjoy
- Repetitive designs, like a mandala or bouquet
- A complex memory you’d like to process
No matter what you create, painting doesn’t have to be structured. The canvas is yours to use, and being creative can mean being open to whatever ideas come to mind while you paint.
Improvising music
Even if you don’t know how to play an instrument or sing, music improvisation can be a way to connect with the healing power of sound. Studies show that making and listening to music can improve well-being. Being spontaneous and creative in real-time may be one way to reap this benefit. If you’re interested in playing instruments and exploring sounds, consider looking for a music therapist in your area.
Mandalas
The benefits of art therapy for schizophrenia
According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), art therapy is a therapeutic modality used to “improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”
In art therapy, a therapist typically guides clients in creating art in a curated environment where they can let their imagination roam. You don’t have to have creative experience or skills to participate in art therapy, as it is focused more on creating art than on the quality of the finished product. Art therapy can be done in individual, couples, family, and group settings.
A 2018 study in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing on schizophrenia and art therapy found that an art therapy intervention often reduced negative symptoms and increased motivation and pleasure in participants with schizophrenia. In addition, interpersonal relationships, personal hygiene, and hospital program attendance were usually increased.
Further research outside of an inpatient setting may be beneficial, but these initial studies tend to show promise in art therapy as a treatment for schizophrenia. You can use AATA’s art therapist locator tool to find an art therapist near you.
Support options
Therapy can be a helpful option for schizophrenia, helping individuals manage daily life and functional difficulties through evidence-based techniques and modalities. With a therapist, a client can work to gain independence, improve daily living, and practice self-care. However, seeking in-person therapy may be difficult for someone living with psychotic episodes or negative symptoms.
In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more convenient. With an online platform, clients can talk to a provider from home at a time that fits their schedule. In addition, online platforms normally provide the option to choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions, giving clients control over the way they receive support.
Studies show that online therapy can be effective in supporting individuals with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. A recent study found that online therapy typically reduced symptoms in those experiencing first-episode psychosis, with results similar to studies on face-to-face treatment. Please note that, in some cases, individuals experiencing acute psychosis may require in-person care.
Takeaway
- Previous Article
- Next Article