The creative brain: Some insights into the neural dynamics of flexible and persistent creative processes

The main aim of this dissertation was to study the neural mechanisms underlying creative processes. In four empirical chapters and one theoretical chapter, I approached some of the unresolved issues regarding the creative brain from several angles. My collaborators and I focused on the potential role of the neurotransmitter dopamine in different types of creative processes and measured creativity in ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by dopaminergic imbalance. We also investigated whether and how creative processes are affected by administration of methylphenidate, a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine (and noradrenaline) in the brain. Our findings contribute to our ability to understand and measure the neural mechanisms of creativity in a number of ways. First, we developed a new task that may help other researchers to better investigate divergent and convergent processes in idea generation. Second, our model of dopaminergic modulation of creativity may guide future research on this topic. Third, our findings showing that methylphenidate does not affect creative processes help to refine this dopaminergic model and contribute to a growing collection of knowledge that allows people to make more informed decisions about whether to use methylphenidate and other cognitive enhancers. Finally, the studies on creativity in ADHD resolve some of the inconsistencies in the literature and help us understand how to facilitate creativity in people with (symptoms of) ADHD