Horizon: Mad But Glad
Does 'the mad genius' really exist? Nick Van Bloss thinks so.
Nick developed Tourettes Syndrome at the age of seven, and is convinced that his illness has played a big part in his success as an award-winning international pianist.
Tonight's Horizon on Ö÷²¥´óÐã2 follows Nick as he undertakes a personal journey to see if Tourettes made him the person that he is today. Along the way he meets scientists who believe that genius has a chemical root, a manic writer, a schizophrenic painter, a composer with Parkinson's, and finally, a fellow musician who also has Tourettes.
Horizon: Mad But Glad goes out tonight (3 April) on Ö÷²¥´óÐã2 at 9pm, and you can download and watch again for one week only with the Horizon Video Podcast.
Comments
Very interesting program and supplied much information linking the myth of creative genius to chemical imbalances in the brain- more than coincidence as much documented research shows. Dopamine is a significant part of the equation as is seratonin, both we know can be effected by nutrition as well as prescribed medications to alter imbalances (mood changing chemicals) I definately recognise the overwhelmingly stimulated state as sumthing that can be overcome by reprogramming your brain/mind to filter out unnecassary stimuli so that every day experiences can become more managable.
Great programme, thanks for enlightening ,informative content and good luck to Nick who was incredibly stable and insightful through out.
Sarah.
Does this mean I should be a genius?
Damn.
Has Nick made any recordings, if so are they available - it would be fantastic to be able to listen to him again. It was wonderful to hear Bach played so passionately and with such sensitivity and feeling. If not someone should offer him this opportunity if he is willing.
Watched this, but I could detect little tics even when Nick was at his 'best'.
The hypothesis that creativity is constant in Tourette's was not proven, and certainly not in the other cases. But it was an intruiging programme all the same, and I'd like to wish Nick the very best.