Thanks Mark, for the in depth information. I feel that in light of the seriousness inherent in this issue, I should in part apologise for my light heartedness... the reality of this condition must be a real challenge for family, friends, loved ones, and professionals... I am not experienced in these matters.

I have had a rather wide exposure to brilliant and talented people, and many of them are musicians... and most of these people (myself included) have some or all of the 'symptoms' mentioned above... soooooo, there must be some confusion going around... I think the question is relevant and interesting, but I'm not sure what to make of it.

I would venture to say that intense spiritual devotion, long term study, work-a-holic behavior, perfectionism, political reactionism, and long term emotional abuse, can bring forth characteristics that appear similar but are environmental conditions... I think some of us are concerned about the pharmaceutical takeover of life as we knew it... *BG*

ttr