Sméagol Diagnosed

Diagnosing medical and mental conditions from literary descriptions has many years of tradition and precedent. Researchers in the Department of Mental Health Sciences at the Royal Free and University College Medical School, in London, have published a paper examining and diagnosing Sméagol, the hobbit whose lifespan was stretched unnaturally due to the effects of possessing the One Ring:

Gollum displays pervasive maladaptive behaviour that has been present since childhood with a persistent disease course. His odd interests and spiteful behaviour have led to difficulty in forming friendships and have caused distress to others. He fulfils seven of the nine criteria for schizoid personality disorder (ICD F60.1), and, if we must label Gollum's problems, we believe that this is the most likely diagnosis.

(via boingboing)