Objective: To investigate the mental state of Xu Wei with the paradigm of pathography, and try to make a diagnosis.
Methods: By collecting and sorting out Xu Wei’s biographical materials such as his poems, letters, and records of friends, the authors identified mental symptoms and carried out psychopathological analysis via multi-aspect references and reasonable speculation. Diagnostic opinions were obtained through discussion.
Results: The characteristics of Xu Wei’s medical history are as follows: Xu Wei suffered from severe insanity, and he committed suicide and homicide when he was in the attack of disease. At least there were 4 explicit disease episodes. During the period of disease episodes, social functioning could return to almost normal, and there was a state of intermittent episodes. He had plenty of visual disorders, that were all illusion or hallucination, lasting for more than 20 years, and the content of which was vivid. He had a long history of alcohol use. He had a sober understanding of his symptoms and the course of the episodes, and made a detailed record of them. Apart from the period of illness, he maintained good artistic creativity and social skills. He continued to produce good work in his later years.
Conclusions: The diagnosis of Xu Wei’s mental disorder is still controversial. Bipolar disorder, personality disorder, schizophrenia, etc., are also needed to be considered. The diagnoses supported by the authors are epilepsy-induced mental disorder and alcohol-related disorders.