[Robert Schumann as a patient in Bonn-Endenich].

Abstract

Although there exists a voluminous biographic literature on Robert Schumann, there are only few informations on the last 2 years of his life, which he spent in the sanatorium Endenich near Bonn/Rh. Schumann, suffering from a recurring psychosis since 1833 at least, had been received there after a suicidal attempt on March 4th, 1854. His physical and psychical state deteriorated permanently and Schumann died on July 29th, 1856, somatically and mentally disordered. Up to now there exists no clear diagnosis, but there is every reason to believe that Schumann was suffering from a schizophrenic psychosis, combined with a cardiac and circulatory disease.