['Writer of the soul' - Virginia Woolf's bipolar disorder in light of her life story and traumatization].

ABSTRACT

Virginia Woolf was one of the most talented and innovative writers of the 20th century. In our study, we review the family background of Virginia Woolf, affective spectrum disorders occuring in her family, as well as the genetic and psychosocial factors, such as the writer's childhood traumatization and coping strategies, which influenced the course and symptoms of her bipolar disorder. We summarize the data which are related to the supposed neuroprogressive processes and suicidal behaviour.