Shocking Revelation: Therapy for Paralysis Agitans Results to Increased Creativity

Amy Taylor January 15, 2013

Many patients with Parkinson’s disease who are treated with drugs that increase their dopamine levels are developing new creative talents, such as painting, writing, and sculpting – a new report reveals.

The study began when Prof Rivka Inzelberg of Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine noticed that instead of the usual holiday presents such as chocolates, her patients suffering from Parkinson’s were giving her artworks that they made themselves. To further investigate such interesting observation, Prof Inzelberg collected case studies from different clinics all over the world. Her report, which was published in the journal Behavioural Neuroscience, is the first to establish that treatments for Parkinson’s disease could enhance the patient’s creativity.

Increased Dopamine = Increased Creativity

Dopamine is one of the numerous neurotransmitters that performs essential functions in the brain. It is specifically involved in controlling the brain’s reward and pleasure centres. Dopamine also helps in regulating a person’s movement and emotional responses. In the case of Parkinson’s disease however, the brain does not produce sufficient amount of dopamine. This is why people with such condition experience mobility problems as well as frequent tremors.

In current practice, patients are given drugs that stimulate the production of dopamine. Other than improving movement and balance, dopamine also creates a feeling of happiness or satisfaction from every accomplishment – being a crucial component of the brain’s reward system. This, according to Prof Inzelberg, is probably the reason behind the increasing creativity in patients receiving treatments. In her report, she cited the case of the Vincent Van Gogh who suffered from psychosis. She said it’s possible that Van Gogh’s creativity resulted from his psychosis – a condition characterised by spontaneous spikes of dopamine in the brain.

Prof Inzelberg pointed out that there is no limit to the creative skills patients may develop after treatments. In one of the case studies mentioned in the report, she cited an architect who started painting human figures after treatments, and a patient who became an award-winning poet even though he has never been involved in poetry or any artistic fields before. Another patient, who was entirely dependent on a walker, was able to make an intricate wooden sculpture that has been displayed in galleries.

In future studies, Prof Inzelberg will be examining what is unique with patients who developed creativity by comparing them to those who did not.

Dear Readers,

What natural ways can increase Dopamine or better yet, creativity and an open mind?

Share your idea’s and thoughts below!

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Parkinson’s Treatment Can Trigger Creativity