The genius in people with learning disabilities, mental health disorders

By Kelly Wallace, CNN

Updated 1737 GMT (0137 HKT) March 9, 2017

Throughout history, numerous artists -- including Edvard Munch, shown here about 1889 -- have <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/22/world/the-dark-side-of-creativity-vincent-van-gogh/">battled mental illness</a>, leading scientists to examine the link between creativity and mental health.
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
Throughout history, numerous artists -- including Edvard Munch, shown here about 1889 -- have battled mental illness, leading scientists to examine the link between creativity and mental health.
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Munch suffered from anxiety, which he poured into his paintings such as "The Scream."
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
Munch suffered from anxiety, which he poured into his paintings such as "The Scream."
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Vincent van Gogh battled severe depression, and f<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/13/health/van-gogh-ear-art-science/">amously cut off his own ear</a>.
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
Vincent van Gogh battled severe depression, and famously cut off his own ear.
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In spite -- or perhaps because -- of his troubles, he created legendary masterpieces, such as his "Sunflowers" series, pictured here.
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
In spite -- or perhaps because -- of his troubles, he created legendary masterpieces, such as his "Sunflowers" series, pictured here.
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Paul Gauguin, a close friend of Van Gogh, also experienced severe bouts of depression and tried to end his life.
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
Paul Gauguin, a close friend of Van Gogh, also experienced severe bouts of depression and tried to end his life.
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Gauguin left his native France for Tahiti, where he produced a series of sensual paintings such as "The Spirit of the Dead Watch."
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
Gauguin left his native France for Tahiti, where he produced a series of sensual paintings such as "The Spirit of the Dead Watch."
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Spanish painter Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes was another famous artist who experienced mental breakdowns.
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
Spanish painter Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes was another famous artist who experienced mental breakdowns.
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His paintings often depicted images of insanity, but also milder themes such as his "Children with a Cart," shown here.
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
His paintings often depicted images of insanity, but also milder themes such as his "Children with a Cart," shown here.
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Legendary artist Pablo Picasso, pictured here in his atelier in Mougins in the 1960s, is said to have struggled with depression.
Photos: Artists with mental illnesses
Legendary artist Pablo Picasso, pictured here in his atelier in Mougins in the 1960s, is said to have struggled with depression.
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