Why Frequent Worriers May Actually Be Smarter, Says Research

The Link Between Worry and Intelligence

New research challenges the negative view of constant worrying. A study published in Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience found that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) scored higher on IQ tests compared to participants without the condition.

Why Anxiety Might Be a Sign of Smarts

According to researchers, worry may be connected to advanced verbal intelligence and sharper problem-solving skills. The theory is that this heightened awareness evolved as a survival mechanism—those who anticipated risks or imagined worst-case scenarios could better protect themselves and their communities.

The Upside of Overthinking

While overthinking and stress can be mentally exhausting, they may also reflect higher cognitive abilities. Instead of viewing worry only as a weakness, the study suggests it can be seen as evidence of an active, analytical mind.

Takeaway

Although excessive worry can be difficult to manage, this research offers a more hopeful perspective: anxiety might not just be a burden—it could be a marker of intelligence.