A historian is writing a biography of Abraham Lincoln. He describes the symptoms Lincoln suffered during his life and asks your opinion on the most likely diagnosis. What would you respond?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lincoln displayed numerous symptoms of depression throughout his life, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low energy, insomnia, and loss of interest in activities he previously enjoyed. He also experienced several major life stressors, such as the death of his mother, the end of his engagement to Mary Todd, and the deaths of several close family members. These factors, combined with his personality traits and the pressure of leading the country through the Civil War, make depression the most likely diagnosis.

A Historian Is Writing a Biography of Abraham Lincoln