Spin-Off: Mentally Unstable People with Advanced Degrees

[AOII Angel]

Since most schizophrenic patients present during their mid to late twenties, it is very likely that someone could get an advanced degree before they even knew they were mentally ill. Also, no one can stop a mentally ill person from obtaining an advanced degree since that is discrimination. I had a schizophrenic girl in my med school class who dropped out second year during a psychotic break. They let her back in three or four years later. My class had graduated long before, so no one knew anything about her. She ended up doing a General Surgery residency. I've always wondered how she held up under that immense amount of stress!

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Also, no one can stop a mentally ill person from obtaining an advanced degree since that is discrimination.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that mentally ill folks should not receive, or should be prevented from receiving, advanced degrees. Sometimes, when confronted with someone who is clearly mentally ill, people will say, "well, they have a Fillintheblank Degree so they must not really be crazy!" I think it happens in some communities more than others.

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I don't think anyone is suggesting that mentally ill folks should not receive, or should be prevented from receiving, advanced degrees. Sometimes, when confronted with someone who is clearly mentally ill, people will say, "well, they have a Fillintheblank Degree so they must not really be crazy!" I think it happens in some communities more than others.

Here is my take on it. I know many socially awkward people (some mentally ill, as well) who stay in school to avoid working with other people. Often they either become too stressed by human interactions or are extreme introverts. It is easier on them to dive into research and become experts in their field of study.

I remember one of my Calculus professors who was like this ("Dr. Tom"). He knew the material inside and out and often talked over our heads. Once in the middle of a problem. He stopped and stared at the board for 5 minutes without saying a word (we had a very small class and no one said a word - just shot glances an one another). Finally, he walked up to the board and placed his forehead on it, as if he was transmitting a signal between the chalkboard and his brain. Then, he turned around and just started lecturing again as if nothing happened.

Dr. Tom was also a concert pianist and never married. he lived at home with his parents and doubt he had any friends. The biggest kicker was during a final. Since several of his classes were small, he held all of the finals at the same time in an auditorium. About 15 minutes into the final, he sat down at the piano and started playing Beethovan's 5th. I think more than a few of us were freaked out.

[carnation]

Having several students with Asperger's, I recently read a great book about the condition that was written by a woman who has it. She felt that many academics had it and I believe this was confirmed by other people involved in writing the book.

We've had several really odd people on the faculties of colleges where I've taught and they were probably affected. Of course, Asperger's isn't a form of mental illness per se but if a victim is odd enough, it could certainly look like it.

BTW, has anyone mentioned serial murderer Ted Bundy? He had a JD.

[Tippiechick]

Ooooh, I know one...

Yes, I would say bipolar is a mental illness that makes people unstable.

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by carnation

Having several students with Asperger's, I recently read a great book about the condition that was written by a woman who has it. She felt that many academics had it and I believe this was confirmed by other people involved in writing the book.

We've had several really odd people on the faculties of colleges where I've taught and they were probably affected. Of course, Asperger's isn't a form of mental illness per se but if a victim is odd enough, it could certainly look like it.

BTW, has anyone mentioned serial murderer Ted Bundy? He had a JD.

You hit the nail on the head. My brother's nephew has Aspergers and is highly functional. He received an Associates Degree in computers where he can concentrate (ok, more like obsess) over something that would drive someone else crazy. He can write a paper on anything you ask him, but if you want him to communicate orally he sounds like Rainman!


For years, I worked with a guy who was a Fulbright Scholar and never could quite figure him out. Highly intelligent, but socially awkward and speaks in a monotone voice. One day, we had someone come to speak at a Brown Bag Lunch on Autism and I brought up the quirky things that my brother's nephew does. Then it dawned on me. My co-worker has Aspergers.

[HotDamnImAPhiMu]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

Here is my take on it. I know many socially awkward people (some mentally ill, as well) who stay in school to avoid working with other people.

I know quite a few non-mentally ill people (mentally healthy?) who are staying in school to avoid working with people, responsibilities, and adulthood. Usually they go to law school because they can't think of what else to do.

My family says people who do that are "on the Campaign to Avoid Life".

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by HotDamnImAPhiMu

I know quite a few non-mentally ill people (mentally healthy?) who are staying in school to avoid working with people, responsibilities, and adulthood. Usually they go to law school because they can't think of what else to do.

My family says people who do that are "on the Campaign to Avoid Life".

But just think - if you get a really big engagement ring, then you win at life!

[DrPhil]

Graduate schools don't ask questions about mental stability. I know crazy people with PhDs, MBAs, masters degrees, EdDs, JDs, etc.

[Benzgirl]

Dang, I missed that one.

[KSUViolet06]

I had a few professors in undergrad (English) who were very open about the fact that they had bipolar disorder. I don't know if this qualifies.

[PM_Mama00]

I've found that most psych majors have some serious problems themselves...

[indygphib]

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

I've found that most psych majors have some serious problems themselves...

Boy, isn't that the truth. I've run across many a psych major with serious issues.

[starang21]

fine line between genius and insanity.

[Senusret I]

If psychology majors are psychopaths, are sociology majors sociopaths?

Are television majors telepaths?