Even though performing madcap antics might be part of a comedian's job description, their madness might not just be an act or performance, according to researchers.
Making people laugh is an ability that can be derived from a similar personality displayed by those with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, UK MailOnline reported. Madness has historically been linked to the creativity of painters and playwrights, but now British experts have found a link with comedians as well.
Like Spike Milligan, who suffered manic-depressive episodes all his life, "sad clown" façade of comedians have high levels of psychotic personality traits behind them, UK MailOnline reported. Manic thinking helps join together ridiculous ideas that spark humor, Researchers from Oxford University and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said.
Greater levels of extraversion and a form of impulsiveness are prone to be qualities that modern era stand-ups possess, yet they are more depressive and unsociable at the same time, according to UK MailOnline. Researchers said it is a form of self-medication to make people laugh in order to alleviate a low mood.
"Although schizophrenic psychosis itself can be detrimental to humor, in its lesser form it can increase people's ability to associate odd or unusual things or to think outside the box," said Professor Gordon Claridge, of the University of Oxford, who led the study. "Equally, manic thinking, which is common in people with bipolar disorder, may help people combine ideas to form new, original and humorous connections."
523 comedians - 404 men and 119 women - were persuaded to take part in a study with Claridge, and his colleagues Victoria Ando and Ken Clark.
According to UK MailOnline, "A number of American comedians are able to harness whatever their mental state maybe be in order to create comedy gold."
Fans see Doug Stanhope's choice to perform while drunk as a part of his persona. Stanhope is open about his alcoholism even though it's unknown whether drinking brings out the best work in someone.
Daniel Tosh has an offbeat sense of humor and has openly stated that he suffers from social anxiety. Michael Thomas "Tom" Green is a Canadian actor, rapper, writer, comedian, talk show host and media personality and best known for his shock humor brand of comedy, according to UK MailOnline.
A questionnaire was designed to measure certain traits of comedians such as belief in telepathy and paranormal events, how easily distracted they are, their ability to feel social and physical pleasure, and their tendency towards impulsive behavior.
It was completed by 364 actors - another profession used to performing - and to a general group of 831 people who had non-creative occupations, UK MailOnline reported On all four types of psychotic personality traits, comedians scored significantly higher as compared to the general group. Most striking was their high scores for both extraverted, manic-like responses and socially introverted moodiness, said a report in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
