If I was depressed for 30 days and did nothing at all in that time period(no using my brain) I would absolutely do terribly on an iq test. But if I spent that time on rigorous studies into mathematics, physics, and philosophy, I would do far better than an average person who does not concern themselves with intellectual work. I think it is a big fallacy to assume that everyone is truly using their brain to its fullest capacity, for people often tend towards the path of least resistance-which causes the brain to atrophy either in size or in behavioral patterns that encourage the thought process required to solve problems. The correlation between mood and iq tests is something that needs to be researched far more.,(reply>), @william julianelle Cite the studies that back up this assertion.,(reply>), I would also be interested to learn how mental illnesses can affect general intelligence. I used to be very good academically but became depressed at a young age and ended up using drugs and dropping out. and one of the reason I would use was to suppress some thoughts I had and, trying to stop "thinking too much". I guess I was trying to get dumber to see if it would make me happier (It really didnt just made everything worse) I am privileged enough to still be alive and have people who love me regardless of the bad decisions I have made while under the influence or because of my mental illness. I am sober now and have a decent job working in web development but I'll keep struggling with depression all my life I believe. I am not motivated enough to keep learning more about programming neither do I want to get better at my job. I became more focused on finding out how I can be happy and to become a better man. I wonder if that laziness makes me dumber haha.  I still play video games and do very good at them even though I try not to play ss much as I used to. Trying to touch grass a little... But yea, the games are probably what keeps my brain alive. Maybe listening to interesting podcasts like Lex's as well. They say the more intelligent had higher chance to success but theres a thin line between genius and crazy (and Im none of those btw) But by the amount of people with better education than I have who cannot even write french properly (my first language), I would assume when your intelligence is above magicarp's level, you can easily manipulate your way up there or even the numbers and bribe people with charisma and stuff, making them think you're a genius when your really not. whatever. (h and I have nothing against people with dyslexia or whatever I'm just saying these degree dont mean shit, unless you been to Harvard, oxford or one of these unis. Even then, you can pay your way there so... thats bs.,(reply>), That's true, you can also improve your iq score on iq tests, and teach yourself to do better on the tests with practice, which you're really not supposed to be able to do.