A reappraisal of the possible seizures of Vincent van Gogh

Hughes, John R.

doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2005.02.014

Cited by 29 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…109 Okulski notes Beckmann's self-portrait indicating wrist-drop due to plumbism; artists working with lead-embodied media have suffered other consequences. 110 Ho, 59 Pennanen 60 and Hughes 70 mention saturnism in their differential diagnoses of Vincent's illness. Arnold, identifying acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) in van Gogh, notes its similarity to lead poisoning.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vincent van Gogh (1853–90): the plumbic artist

Weissman

2008

J Med Biogr

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Following Vincent van Gogh's death in 1890, numerous physicians have offered diagnostic opinions regarding his still unverified illness. The discovery that he had ingested leaded oil paints prompted research that revealed his exposure to additional sources of lead and other toxic substances for 13 years before death. His complaints, derived from poignant letters to his brother, added compelling evidence that he had suffered neurotoxicity, encephalopathy and other consequences of lead. Vincent's suicide may have been precipitated by plumbism. Mankind has endured lead's presence for millennia, yet its destructive effects have been recognized sporadically. That symptoms of plumbism mimic other illnesses should prod a heightened index of suspicion. Had it not been for the financial and emotional support of Vincent by his brother, Theo, and the dedication of the latter's wife, Johanna, the artist's genius might never have been recognized. Widowed by the death of her husband six months after Vincent's demise, Johanna(1) remained the guardian of the painter's extraordinary artistic and literary output until critical acclaim established him as one of Europe's greatest artists. Her efforts, assisted by her son, in framing and exhibiting van Gogh's works, were crucial. She then translated and systematized his more than 750 letters to Theo, their sister, Willemien, their mother, fellow artists and others.(2).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vincent van Gogh (1853–90): the plumbic artist

Weissman

2008

J Med Biogr

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“…He was known for his tendencies to extremes of poor nutrition or near semi‐starvation alongside excessive drinking of alcohol. Poor nutrition may only have played a small part, but it is an intriguing risk factor that was present (Hughes, ).…”

Section: Correlational Studies Between Diet and Personality Traitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Could nutrition help behaviours associated with personality disorders? A narrative review

Rucklidge

Mulder

2015

Personality & Mental Health

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Personality disorders are common, and the core problems of interpersonal dysfunction and social disturbance are difficult to treat. One area gaining international attention is the impact that diet and nutrients can have on psychiatric/psychological symptoms. There are no empirical studies studying the specific relationship between nutrition and personality disorders. A systematic search revealed longitudinal studies following malnourished children, either during pregnancy or in early life that reported malnourishment is a risk factor that can express as maladaptive behaviours later in life. Other studies show associations between nutrient intake and personality styles. A small body of literature reveals a potential benefit of consuming nutrients therapeutically in order to address behaviours often associated with personality disorders. If we consider the broad patterns of behaviour that typify personality disorders, such as cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning and impulse control, there is a research rationale for studying the role that nutrition could play in protecting against the development of these problems as well as possibly modifying them. Whether it is too late to intervene with nutrition once the pathological behaviours are entrenched is unknown. Given the dearth of good evidence-based treatments currently available for people with personality disorders, it is an area worth investing in.

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“…P.S. For those of you wondering … it looks like van Gogh did not eat fish or, indeed, very much else [1], and chronic malnutrition and a fondness for absinthe may have contributed to his seizures, if in fact he actually ever had any [4].…”

Section: To the Editormentioning

confidence: 99%

Fishy tales and errant husbands: Just some of the unique insights into epilepsy the journal has brought us in the past 15years

Baxendale

2014

Epilepsy & Behavior

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A reappraisal of the possible seizures of Vincent van Gogh

Cited by 29 publications

References 25 publications

Vincent van Gogh (1853–90): the plumbic artist

Vincent van Gogh (1853–90): the plumbic artist

Could nutrition help behaviours associated with personality disorders? A narrative review

Fishy tales and errant husbands: Just some of the unique insights into epilepsy the journal has brought us in the past 15years

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