Self-portrait-drawing-Leonardo-da-Vinci-Royal-Library. Leonardo da Vinci- self-portrait Self-portrait, drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1490:1515–16; in the Royal Library, Turin, Italy.

Study Suggests Leonardo da Vinci Had ADHD, Is It True?

The Human, Leonardo da Vinci

The art prodigy, Leonardo da Vinci doesn’t require a separate introduction. With such masterpieces that he has created, it is needless to say that he was nothing short of a genius. He is one of the world’s most famous artists. The only striking downside to the process is the fact that historical evidence suggests that he struggled to finish his works. So, the question that does linger around in anyone’s mind is, “Was he suffering from ADHD?”

A new study conducted by the researchers from the King’s College London has come up with an explanation suggesting that the reason behind the lack of finished art might mainly be because of the fact that he could be suffering from Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The article was published in a science journal, Brain, discussing the possibility of Leonardo da Vinci possibly suffering from ADHD. Professor Catani has supported her clauses with facts and evidence to hypothesize why the condition could be a possibility. According to her, the chronic procrastination could very well be a driving force behind the extraordinary creativity that he did showcase across various niches.

Catani suggests that it is quite hard to diagnose the condition for someone who has been dead for over 500 years now. With the behavioral and historical evidence that they have scrounged, ADHD is the most common explanation for the condition without a spectrum of doubt. It is the most plausible explanation for the condition. She believes that the high level of planning and the lack of outcome and completion of the project is enough to explain the condition through and through. 

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