Caligula-Psychiatric Report

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Caligula- Psychiatric Report
Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, commonly known as Caligula, was one of many problematic emperors of Rome. After conducting my research with various individuals in Rome, they mainly target Caligula’s cruelty, sadism, extravagance and sexual perversity.
After studying these sources, I have written a psychiatric report which I intend to send anonymously the current emperor of the Imperial Palace and other historical writers.

Key personality traits and possible mental illness
• Arrogant- Caligula ‘publicised’ his laws by writing them in small, illegible writing and putting them up on high pillars. He then enjoyed feeling superior by punishing them for a crime they weren’t aware of committing.
• Excessively …show more content…

The lead was used to enhance the flavour of the wine and make it last. It is highly likely that Caligula consumed a large amount of wine, and with lead poisoning, it could’ve only affected his personality disorder negatively.
• Emotional turmoil- Caligula found it hard to keep his emotions under control after finding out that his grandfather Tiberius, was responsible for the deaths of his parents and siblings. He expressed these aggressive emotions through engaging in sex with various men and women, as well as his sisters (especially Drusilla). He sometimes made the men watch as he had sex with their wives and children. Note- this happened prior to him contracting disease at the age of 37.
• Disease- At the age of 37, Caligula fell seriously ill with a disease that would change him completely. With a past of cruelty and sexual perverseness, his actions became more bizarre and unexplainable. Notable incidents were when he built a marble stable for his horse, opening a brothel in the palace when he was short of money and rumours of making his horse Consul.

Perspective of an ancient writer on personality and …show more content…

He was said to have enjoyed watching executions during his meal times. He also would send for men who he would have killed beforehand, as if they were still alive, and then said that they must have committed suicide.
• Had a very strong belief that Caligula was unfit to be Emperor

Personal perspective on personality and actions
After researching Suetonius and other popular stories regarding Caligula, I have developed my opinion.
I believe that Caligula was an insane man. This insanity was due to multiple factors, primarily his emotional turmoil as well as other factors out of his control, such as the lead poisoning. All ancient writers stated that Caligula was mentally ill, except for Pliny the Elder.
His actions were due to his NPD and the disease he contracted. Although the things he did were strange, it is typical of people with NPD to perform cruel actions like Caligula did. Do remember that many accounts written by ancient writers may be incorrect due to the amount of gossip going around at the time.

Suggested treatment
Although NPD can’t be ‘cured’, one-on-one or group psychiatric therapy can aid to assist the individual. There are no specific medications for the disorder either, however, antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers may also be

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