Creativity, Depressive Disorders, and Bipolar Disorders Depressive and bipolar disorders occur more frequently among creative writers and artists than among the general population, leading some researchers to propose a biochemical or genetic link between depressive and bipolar disorders and the artistic temperament (Jamison, 1993). Writer Mark Twain (left), novelist Ernest Hemingway (middle), and poet Sylvia Plath all suffered from severe bouts of depression throughout their lives. Both Plath and Hemingway committed suicide, as did Hemingway’s father, brother, and sister. In 1996, Hemingway’s granddaughter, actress Margaux Hemingway, also committed suicide just one day before the 35th anniversary of her famous grandfather’s death.
Corbis
Robert Capa/Magnum Photos
CSU Archives/Everett Collection
Robert Capa/Magnum Photos
CSU Archives/Everett Collection