Giftedness : An Analysis of Symptoms and Their Genetic and Neurological Bases
Unbalanced giftedness is a conceptual framework that describes a cognitive and behavioral profile in individuals with high intellectual abilities, marked by specific psychological and emotional symptoms that compromise functional balance and well-being. This study identifies and characterizes 12 key symptoms, including the relentless pursuit of new stimuli, rumination over pending tasks, high decision-making capacity contrasted by emotional overload, and intense emotional oscillation. Drawing on diagnostic criteria from manuals such as the DSM-5, we propose an exploratory criterion for identifying unbalanced giftedness, which includes the presence of at least 5 or 6 out of 12 symptoms, covering both primary and additional symptoms. This criterion seeks to capture individual variability while ensuring specificity in characterizing the condition. Based on a literature review in neuroscience and behavioral genetics, this article examines the neurobiological and genetic underpinnings of these symptoms and explores the hypothesis of unbalanced giftedness. This initial approach suggests pathways for future empirical research and the development of tailored interventions to support functional and emotional balance in gifted individuals.
