Neuropsychiatry of creativity

• Creativity is a complex phenomenon with several of neurobiological, sociological, cultural and evolutionary variables entwined.
• Observational learning, memory, cognitive flexibility and novelty seeking represent basic elements of creativity.
• frontotemporal dementia and bipolar disorder can help to unravel the underlying neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of human creativity.

In this paper, we review in brief the development of ideas that over time have tried to explain why some individuals are more creative than others and what may be the neurobiological links underlying artistic creativity. We note associations with another unique human idea, that of genius. In particular, we discuss frontotemporal dementia and bipolar, cyclothymic mood disorder as clinical conditions that are helping to unravel the underlying neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of human creativity.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “Epilepsy, Art, and Creativity”.