My mom used to refer to our worries as “free-floaters,” a playful term for the relentless anxiety that seemed to follow us both. The kind of anxiety that made me think that a small bump on my wrist was a rare tumor that could take down a 13-year-old. Or that every scratch from our cat could lead to a severe case of cat scratch fever. And, of course, when someone was late, it was always the worst-case scenario—a catastrophic accident instead of merely traffic delays.
Yes, I’m one of those individuals who anticipates disaster at every turn, returning home to check if I left the toaster on, and still avoiding aspirin out of fear of Reye’s syndrome, even though that threat has long passed. I often find myself checking my own pulse to see if I might be experiencing a heart arrhythmia or something equally alarming. When my kids were little, I went so far as to tether myself to their stroller using a wrist strap. Clearly, I’m not exactly the picture of calm.
However, I may just have a case of genius. According to research highlighted by Slate, studies suggest that individuals like me, who experience anxiety, might actually have higher intelligence than those who navigate life without a second thought about falling objects or lurking dangers.
For example, a recent study at Lakehead University in Ontario found that students with heightened anxiety levels scored better on verbal intelligence tests. Similarly, research from SUNY Downstate Medical Center indicates that individuals suffering from severe generalized anxiety disorder often possess a higher IQ than those with milder symptoms.
But what’s the reason behind this intriguing connection? It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg question: Does intelligence lead to anxiety, or does anxiety foster greater intelligence? Is it possible that constant worrying makes one more observant and engaged, resulting in better learning and, consequently, a sharper mind? Or perhaps all those frenetic thoughts racing through my head contribute to my anxiety? (I’m leaning towards the latter.)
So, I find myself relieved from some of the embarrassment over the countless times I’ve bombarded my husband with messages after not hearing from him for an hour, or rushed to my doctor due to a peculiar rib that seemed out of place. It turns out my mind is just wired to be hyper-alert.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to indulge in some reading of Remembrance of Things Past—after I make sure my kids are safe at recess, of course. Just let me check my pulse one more time.
This article was originally published on May 12, 2015.
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Summary
Anxiety, often viewed negatively, may actually correlate with higher intelligence, according to several studies. Individuals who experience anxiety tend to be more alert and observant, which could enhance learning and cognitive abilities. This connection offers a fresh perspective on the nature of anxiety and intelligence, lifting some of the shame associated with excessive worrying.
Keyphrase: anxiety and intelligence correlation
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