We all know a few people who excel in cognitive abilities and intelligence. Smart individuals often begin displaying their intellectual capabilities early in life, showing tremendous potential to shape and improve the world for everyone. However, being highly intelligent can come with certain drawbacks. Intelligence does not always correlate perfectly with general health, social success, or financial stability. In fact, many knowledgeable individuals face various challenges, including physical ailments and psychological issues like stress, anxiety, and socialization difficulties.
1. Smart people have a higher likelihood of developing mental health issues.
A 2018 article titled High Intelligence: A Risk Factor for Physical and Psychological Overexcitabilities summarizes research where participants self-reported both diagnosed and suspected mental health disturbances, such as mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study revealed a notably high relative risk for these conditions among the Mensa group (2015 data), compared to the national average, indicating that people with high IQs are more susceptible to developing affective disorders, ADHD, and ASD.
2. Intelligent people tend to overanalyze.
Highly intelligent individuals often engage in excessive self-analysis and scrutiny of the world around them. Psychologists have theorized that this is due to the “hyper-brain/hyper-body” theory, proposed by Karpinski and colleagues, which suggests that smart people respond to stimuli with heightened excitability. This can cause them to dwell on others’ words, seeking hidden meanings and motivations beyond what most people would consider.
3. They are exhaustingly perfectionistic.
Sharing is caring!
This overexcitability extends to perfectionism, where intelligent individuals feel compelled to make each decision as flawless as possible. This perfectionism can lead to excessive stress, especially over minor choices that don’t require such deep thought, resulting in unnecessary self-doubt and constant second-guessing.
4. Smart people are more prone to physical health issues.
Research by Ruth Karpinski and colleagues, aligned with psychologist Dabrowski’s findings, shows that intelligent people are at greater risk for physical ailments, particularly those linked to chronic stress, such as autoimmune diseases, asthma, and allergies. The stress from overexcitability may trigger physiological changes, leading to various health challenges.
5. They are highly aware of their own deficiencies.
This self-awareness can be advantageous, but it also has drawbacks. As Darwin once noted, “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.” This phenomenon, known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, sees highly skilled individuals doubting their abilities, often leaving them vulnerable to self-doubt and sometimes avoiding constructive decisions.
6. Intelligent people are more prone to stress.
Karpinski and Dabrowski’s research highlights how intelligent people often experience high stress, driven by their perfectionism and tendency to overthink every possible scenario. This constant analysis leads to heightened stress levels.
7. They are burdened by high expectations.
Sharing is caring!
From an early age, intelligent individuals are expected to maintain excellence, which can lead to intense psychological or physical discomfort when they feel they have fallen short. Research shows that while high expectations from teachers and parents can lead to academic success, overly critical attitudes can cause the opposite effect.
8. Smart individuals are more easily distracted.
Psychiatrist Dr. Ned Hallowell explains that intelligent people often struggle with choosing between competing ideas, which can lead to greater distractibility and a fear of making the wrong choice, especially in high-pressure situations.
9. Intelligent people can feel discomfort in large social settings.
Although not necessarily introverted, intelligent people may find it challenging to connect with others in large groups. They often feel misunderstood and may struggle to find people who share their intellectual interests. Observing subtleties like a disingenuous smile may further deter them from engaging in unfulfilling social interactions.
10. They tend to worry more than the average person.
Research led by psychiatrist Jeremy Copeland indicates that worry, although considered maladaptive, may be linked to intelligence. This trait seems to increase attention to detail and helps in planning for potential scenarios, including less favorable ones.
Sharing is caring!
