The artist in the hospital: the van Gogh case.

As a result of psychotic crises, Vincent van Gogh was hospitalized several times during a period of about a year and a half from December 1888 to May 1890. The author focuses on van Gogh's intense intrapsychic struggle during this relatively brief but critical time. He discusses how van Gogh's painting not only reflected his struggles but also enabled him, for a time, to stave off the hopelessness and despair that eventually overwhelmed him, culminating in his suicide. After reviewing possible factors in the artist's illness, the author agrees with others that the most persuasive explanation involves epileptic underpinnings.