The psychiatric profile of Vincent van Gogh: an analysis

This study explores Vincent van Gogh's struggles with executive functions and his experiences with episodes of depression. In the final years of his life, Van Gogh encountered visual and auditory hallucinations, often lasting for few days. His correspondence reveals his concerns about the clarity of his mind during this period, suggesting the possibility of visual hallucinations influencing his artistic work. He mentioned the term “delirium” in his letters, indicating the presence of a brief psychotic episode. This study also considers the potential influence of factors like nutrition, tobacco, alcohol consumption, somatic diseases, and psychological distress on his susceptibility to delirium.