Column: Dr. Flávio H. Nascimento - Psychiatrist, member of Mensa and IIS Society
For a long time, having high intelligence and an elevated IQ was seen as something extremely positive, associated with extraordinary abilities and almost no negative implications.
However, with advances in intelligence studies, more and more negative effects have been discovered, especially in individuals with IQs above 130, one of which is excessive worry.
Excessive Worry
Many pieces of evidence show that individuals with high scores in verbal IQ tend to display higher levels of worry, suggesting that it may be linked to enhanced verbal ability, which leads to more intense cognitive and linguistic processing.
In people with high IQs, this excessive worry manifests itself through amplified cognitive and emotional processes, resulting in a constant rumination of ideas and repetitive thoughts.
Another important factor to consider in the formation of this excessive worry is a heightened sensitivity to social criticism. This increases anxiety, hinders healthy interactions, and fuels a constant state of alertness and difficulty in relaxing, which also extends to one’s thoughts.
Neuroscience and Genetics
When focusing specifically on the brain, there is a strong relationship between excessive worry and overactivity in the amygdala, which intensifies the processing of anxiety and fear.
Moreover, dysfunctions in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex also affect decision-making and attention regulation, leading to chronic indecision and difficulty in “letting go” of worrisome thoughts.
Genetics and environmental factors also play important roles in the predisposition and intensity of these traits. Studies have already shown that certain genetic variants increase the propensity for anxiety and worry. In these cases, treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle adjustments help alleviate symptoms.
Ruminating Thoughts
Taking into account all the factors listed so far—social, neuroscientific, genetic, etc.—it becomes clear that this process is deeply multifactorial, as is the case with most processes related to intelligence. This is why studies on these topics are so important to better understand them and improve the quality of life for this segment of the population.
In practical experience, excessive worry is more dangerous than it might initially seem. It affects performance, social life, and generates anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue. Constant care is needed to avoid getting stuck in a single ruminating thought, which is a difficult task even for individuals with high IQs.