did Beethoven have Asperger's Syndrome?

Answer 1

The book "Beethoven's Hair" points out that the remaining samples indicate a toxic level of lead at the time of his death.

It is shown that many of LVB's physical and psychological problems are consistent with lead poisioning.

The lead probably came from cheap wine which was adulterated with lead to make it sweeter and more palatable.

But that's no the only possible cause of his problems. Other diseases can produce much the same pattern of symptoms (Aspergers among them), but lead poisoning ties all the ends together.

Answer 2

A cursory reading of some diagnostic signals that point to Asperger's Syndrome would indicate that Beethoven did NOT have it:

)Narrow interests or preoccupation with a subject to the exclusion of other activities
)Repetitive behaviors or rituals
)Peculiarities in speech and language
)Extensive logical/technical patterns of thought
)Socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and interpersonal interaction
)Problems with nonverbal communication
)Clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements

(http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm)

(http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/asperger.htm)


Narrow interests and preoccupation w/a subject to the exclusion of all others? We know Beethoven had a preoccupation with music, but we also know he had a preoccupation with women and food -- he was a bit of gourmet. Also he was an astute businessman -- unlike poor Mozart. No, this doesn't fit the syndrome

Clumsy and uncoordinated movements for a world-class pianist? I don't think so.

Peculiarities in speech patterns? We have extensive documents of Beethoven's own writing, reprts form acquaintances about conversations, etc. No mention that he spoke in an overly-formal way or in a disjointed way. Nope.

Repetitive behavior and rituals? Beethoven was definitley NOT anal retentive -- he was a personal slob. Many reports of this.

In conclusion, I would say, and quite loudly, "NO!"

Answer 3

I've read no documentation that's mentions Beethoven having Asperger Syndrome . He was believed to suffer from Bipolar disorder & suffered a severe form of tinnitus.

Answer 4

OK listen up here dude: Beethoven LOVE asparagus ok? The fact that it made his p e e smell bad wasn't his fault. And all these people keep saying he had a syndrome! Ever gone in the men's room after a fancy asparagus dinner? Ok then!

Answer 5

Although difficulty with picking up on social cues and facial indicators of mood IS one aspect of Asperger's, history offers us enough other reasons why Beethoven might have been socially awkward. Truth is - we will never know.

Answer 6

Glinzek's is a great, reasonable, and well reasoned reply.

(No, , poor old Mozart, many though his afflictions may have been, ascribed or real, he didn't have to count this one among them, either. And let's scotch the 'bi-polar' for poor old Ludwig too, while we're at it. He was a domestic slob of genius. So? Restrospective, historical 'medicine' is a very hazardous passtime... )

Answer 7

Beethoven Syndrome

Answer 8

Maybe. Einstein and Newton maybe did too.