Vincent van Gogh likely experienced alcohol withdrawal delirium twice after his left ear was cut off. This is how Professor of Psychiatry Willem Nolen of the UMCG concludes after research.
Using structured diagnostic interviews, researchers in Groningen have tested all possible psychological problems and illnesses of Vincent van Gogh for probability. Such an extensive psychiatric investigation had never been done before.
From early adulthood, he noted in his letters various symptoms that may be associated with bipolar mood disorder in combination with borderline personality disorder. This was made worse by alcohol addiction and malnutrition.
The researchers’ new theory is that after a crisis in 1888 in which he cut off his ear, Van Gogh twice experienced short-term psychosis, probably because he had to suddenly stop drinking alcohol as a result of hospitalization after the ear incident.
After this his condition worsened further and he went through some severe depressive episodes, at least one of which with psychotic features. In the end, he was unable to make a permanent recovery, likely leading to his suicide in July 1890.
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