Worrying and intelligence go hand-in-hand

Worrying and intelligence go hand-in-hand. Nobody likes to be a worry wort but everybody envies intelligence. Unfortunately, according to a new study by scientists at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, the two traits are associated. "in those diagnosed with GAD (general anxiety disorder) high IQ was associated with a greater degree of worry. The correlation between IQ and worry was significant," reads the study, published in Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience. The authors say the correlation may be because excessive worrying and intelligence co-evolved together. "While excessive worry is generally seen as a negative trait and high intelligence as a positive one, worry may cause our species to avoid dangerous situations, regardless of how remote a possibility they may be," said author Dr. Coplan. "In essence, worry may make people 'take no chances,' and such people may have higher survival rates. Thus, like intelligence, worry may confer a benefit upon the species." [Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience]