Psychic abnormality

It appears there is no hard and fast rule on the contribution of psychic abnormality for or against an individual's development. Although it is clear that pathological conditions have to be treated and that psychologically disturbed personalities may attribute false religious or spiritual meanings to their experiences, there seems to be a connection between some illnesses and the manifesting of an individual's gifts. Mental activity seems to be stimulated by some abnormalities so that great artists, writers and so an may produce their greatest works when ill. Similarly, a period of psychological turmoil, anguish, despair, conflict and other problems may precede religious conversion or other abrupt and radical change.