Genetic basis of intellectual variation in Iceland

摘要

A systematic study is reported of the occurrence of common disorders in first-degree relatives of accomplished Icelanders. The data demonstrate an increased frequency of specific disease conditions in their ranks as compared to the general population or to relatives of unskilled workers. Academic or creative brilliance is found to be associated with elevated risks of phychosis, while leadership qualities seem to be linked to a propensity for alcoholism. These relationships are discussed in terms of heterozygote advantage connected with certain genes.