Charles Darwin and panic disorder
T. J. Barloon and R. Noyes Jr
Department of Radiology, The University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA.
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) suffered from a chronic illness that, throughout
much of his adult life, impaired his functioning and severely limited his
activities. The writings of this famous scientist as well as biographical
materials indicate that he probably suffered from an anxiety disorder. His
symptoms, when considered individually, suggest a variety of conditions,
but taken together they point toward panic disorder with agoraphobia. This
diagnosis brings coherence to Darwin's activities and explains his secluded
lifestyle, including difficulty in speaking before groups and meeting with
colleagues.
