H Förstl1, G Immler, M Seitz, R Hacker. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany. hans.foerstl@lrz.tu-muenchen.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The case of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, had soon become synonymous with paranoia, after he had drowned at the age of 40 together with the neuropsychiatrist Gudden. METHOD: We were granted access to the Secret Archive of the House of Wittelsbach to study documents on Ludwig's medical history. RESULTS: The documents underlying Gudden's expert opinion which led to Ludwig being deposed would be insufficient for a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to contemporary standards. The autopsy revealed prominent prefrontal brain atrophy. CONCLUSION: The evidence is compatible with a diagnosis of schizotypal personality and suspected frontotemporal degeneration.
OBJECTIVE: The case of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, had soon become synonymous with paranoia, after he had drowned at the age of 40 together with the neuropsychiatrist Gudden. METHOD: We were granted access to the Secret Archive of the House of Wittelsbach to study documents on Ludwig's medical history. RESULTS: The documents underlying Gudden's expert opinion which led to Ludwig being deposed would be insufficient for a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to contemporary standards. The autopsy revealed prominent prefrontal brain atrophy. CONCLUSION: The evidence is compatible with a diagnosis of schizotypal personality and suspected frontotemporal degeneration.