New vision on the mental problems of Vincent van Gogh; results from a bottom-up approach using (semi-)structured diagnostic interviews.

ABSTRACT:

Background

On July 29, 1890 at the age of 37 years, the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh died from the consequences of a suicide attempt with a gun 2 days earlier. Since then many medical and psychological theories were suggested about what had happened to Van Gogh.

Aim

To present an overview of the history of the mental problems of Van Gogh and the most likely diagnoses.

Method

(Semi-)structured diagnostic interviews were applied to three art historians who are very familiar with Van Gogh from his correspondence and other sources as well as a neuropsychiatric examination to evaluate whether the symptoms might be explained by a medical condition.

Results

Several previously suggested diagnoses could be excluded as being highly unlikely, while other diagnoses could

SUBMITTER: Nolen WA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7604278 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature