Neuregulin 1 Mutation and How It Dampens the Brain

Researchers speculated instead that the mutation dampens the region of the brain that reins in behavior and mood, known as the prefrontal cortex. Such change can unleash some people’s creative potential but for others, it might trigger psychotic delusions.

Intelligence is probably one factor that determines if the neuregulin 1 mutation can enhance creativity or contribute to psychosis. The volunteers tended to be smarter than average. Conversely, the study of another family with schizophrenic history discovered that a similar mutation was linked with psychotic symptoms and lower intelligence.