Beethoven's creative illness

Journal/Book: Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1989; 23: 111-6.

Abstract: One phase of Beethoven's life, between his 45th and 50th year, characterized by very low creativity and overwhelming stress situations, is subjected to a psychiatric interpretation. The historical background is briefly sketched and 5 precipitating stress factors are outlined. The symptoms of his illness are described, using Beethoven's letters as source material. A brief discussion of Beethoven's musical style prior to and after his illness is based on quotations from three eminent musical scholars. A resume of Beethoven's physical and psychological disorders during his life are given and the conclusion is reached that between 1815 and 1820, Beethoven experienced a creative illness which was psychotic in type, ended in recovery and radically changed his musical creativity.

Keyword(s): Germany ; History of Medicine, 19th Cent.; Middle Age Creativeness ; Famous Persons; Music history; Psychotic Disorders history Human; Male

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