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11. Giftedness, Intensity & Risk of Suicide
Research
Although there has not been research to substantiate an increase in suicide by gifted individuals, neuropsychological studies have found that the brain of a gifted individual feel emotions more intensely than typical individuals.
"...highly intelligent individuals are at a significantly greater risk of experiencing psychological and physiological disorders according to the study published in the journal Intelligence, online October 8, 2017" (Karpinski).
“Those with high IQ possess unique intensities and overexcitabilities which can be at once both remarkable and disabling on many levels” (Karpinski, 2017).
New Research
Tracy Cross has started the William & Mary Institute for Research on the Suicide of Gifted Students. Cross states that perfectionism, or a self- or socially inflicted pressure to perform well, is a common characteristic among gifted students and has been found to correlate with suicide ideation in studies of psychiatric and university samples (Spyker, M, 2017).
His concern is that gifted individuals may be more successful in their attempts. Based on journals he has read from several gifted adolescents who died by suicide, he believes this population may be better at planning and carrying out their plans, leading to a higher rate of completion from attempts. He acknowledges, however, it is too early to know if this is true (Spyker, M, 2017).
Video
For more information regarding this topic, please click on the links below:
In giftedness, is there more darkness?
ADAA Understanding Anxiety & Suicide Prevention
NCBI - Emotional and Behavioral Characteristics of Gifted Children and Their Families