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Claudia Kalbs

Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder

Inside the Minds of Historys Greatest Personalities

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This is a companion to the original book.

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Table of Contents

Claudia Kalbs Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of Historys Greatest Personalities offers 12 short biographies of famous individuals, focusing on their individual struggles with mental illness. The biographies are used to help illustrate and provide information about different mental disorders, such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and gambling addiction. In turn, the discussion of mental illness provides insight into the personalities of notable historical individuals, including Abraham Lincoln, George Gershwin, and Marilyn Monroe.

Mental illness has had a complicated and uncertain effect on the lives of the famous. However, mental illness in historical figures is difficult to diagnose. This is in part because historical records are imperfect. But it is also because the same symptoms can point to a variety of illnesses. For example, Charles Darwins chronic stomach complaints could have been due to a physical malady like the intestinal condition Crohns disease, or it could have been caused by chronic anxietyor both. Children who have trouble paying attention in school, such as the young George Gershwin, may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Or they may simply be bored and uninterested. It can be tricky to make these diagnoses, even in living people.

In some cases, mental illness seems like it is inseparable from the mental abilities or proclivities that helped a renowned person succeed. Architect Frank Lloyd Wrights possible narcissistic personality disorder was closely tied to the ambition that led him to create innovative designs. Physicist Albert Einsteins ability to concentrate and his skill in visual thinking both contributed to his genius and to a possible diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome.

In other instances, mental illness seems like a burden. Novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky did write one novel about his gambling addiction, but mostly the condition plunged him and his family into difficulties and distress. Betty Fords substance addictions interfered with her ability to perform charitable workthough the experience of addiction led her to help others with similar problems. Looking at the struggles of famous people can help highlight the reality of mental illness in the lives of everyday people.

Claudia Kalb is a freelance science journalist who has published in Smithsonian, Scientific American, and Newsweek.

Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) was an American actress and sex symbol.

Howard Hughes (1905-1976) was an American businessman and movie director known for his reclusiveness and eccentricity.

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was an American artist known for his work in the pop art movement.

Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), or Diana Spencer, was a celebrity and philanthropist. She had married and then divorced Prince Charles, heir to the British throne.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) was president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865.

Christine Jorgensen (1926-1989) was one of the first individuals from the United States to undergo sex reassignment surgery.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1950) was an American architect.

Betty Ford (1918-2011) was an advocate for addiction treatment and the wife of Gerald Ford, who was president of the United States from 1974-1977.

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a British scientist who developed the theory of evolution.

George Gershwin (1898-1937) was an American composer and musician.

Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a Russian writer.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a theoretical physicist; he was born in Germany and later emigrated to the United States.

1. Marilyn Monroe may have suffered from a borderline personality disorder that robbed her of her sense of self and contributed to her sadness and desperation.
2. Howard Hughes suffered from OCD, resulting in compulsive rituals and a fear of germs.
3. Andy Warhol may have suffered from hoarding, a condition he incorporated into his art.
4. Princess Diana suffered from bulimia. Her illness helped bring attention to this serious eating disorder.
5. Abraham Lincoln suffered from depression. The condition may have made him a better president.
6. Christine Jorgensen experienced gender dysphoria before she transitioned to a woman.
7. Frank Lloyd Wright may have had narcissistic personality disorder. His inflated self-esteem destroyed his personal relationships and fueled his art.
8. Betty Ford had serious substance addictions. She established a famous clinic to help those with similar problems.
9. Charles Darwin may have experienced anxiety throughout his life. He was nervous about traveling and experienced much, possibly psychosomatic, physical discomfort.
10. George Gershwin may have had ADHD. His twitchiness and high energy were reflected in his musical compositions.
11. Fyodor Dostoevsky had a gambling addiction. Gambling addictions may be related to substance abuse addictions.
12. Albert Einstein may have had Aspergers syndrome. The condition has become a popular diagnosis, and may be related to scientific ability.

Marilyn Monroe may have suffered from a borderline personality disorder that robbed her of her sense of self and contributed to her sadness and desperation.

Analysis

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that has aspects of neurosis, including depression and anxiety, as well as aspects of psychosis, including schizophrenia. Actress Marilyn Monroe may have inherited a predisposition for the disorder from her mother, who had psychological problems. The disorder may in turn have been reinforced by her mothers distance and absence. Monroe had a weak sense of self, and required constant reassurance, placing great strain on her relationships. Her torment led her to kill herself.

Today, understanding of BPD has improved. However, the condition remains very serious and dangerous. It is believed that British singer Amy Winehouse had BPD, which is also called emotional regulation personality disorder. Like Monroe, Winehouses life was characterized by chaotic relationships, emotional shifts, and out-of-control impulsive behavior. [1]

BPD is rare; it only affects about 1 percent of the population, though three out of four of those affected are women. Since it is such an uncommon condition, diagnosis can be difficult. People with the disease are often believed to be seeking attention or as simply indulging in drama. The disease is very serious, however, as both Monroes and Winehouses cases suggest. People with BPD have a high risk of self-harm; between 60 and 70 percent of them attempt suicide. [2] Winehouse steadfastly refused to seek diagnosis or treatment. She died at 27 of alcohol poisoning.