8 Interesting Facts About Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud led a storied life – with the Austrian neurologist going on to make widespread contributions to the field of psychology.

His impact on mental health treatment has also been significant. In this article, we take a look at some interesting facts about him!

1. Freud’s Background

Freud was born on May 6, 1856, as Sigismund Schlomo Freud, he had seven biological siblings! His mother was 20 years younger than husband.

While this may seem unusual, back in the 1800s, this was very common! Growing up with a big family would’ve certainly had its perks!

2. Moving locations

Freud moved from his birthplace in Freiberg, Moravia to Vienna, Austria due to the failure of his father’s business.

It was from here that Freud would spend the majority of his life, whilst making huge contributions to society.

3. Freud initially qualified as a Doctor

Freud originally qualified as a doctor. This would give him a strong background to eventually become a professional in psychiatry.

One downside of Freud, but an interesting fact nonetheless, is that he originally championed the use of the stimulant and drug Cocaine – before its harm was discovered.

4. Freud’s Psychoanalysis

Freud is credited with founding Psychoanalysis – a wide body of work that consists of Freud’s theories on a huge array of subjects, including contributions to research into the mind and personality.

His ground-breaking work continues to impact the world to this day. In terms of modern day psychiatry, his work is mainly used in the therapy types Psychoanalytical psychotherapy and Psychodynamic psychotherapy.

5. Freud’s impact on talking therapy

Freud is credited with developing talking therapy. He realised the relief that one patient got from talking about her problems.

It was innovative at the time, and widespread to this day, with talking therapy normally the first line of treatment for most conditions.

6. Freud and Carl Jung’s interesting relationship

Freud originally saw Carl Jung as his successor, and general protégé. They forged a strong friendship, but eventually drifted apart after Jung disagreed with some of Freud’s theories.

Jung went on to create his own theories. We have an article that looks at the differences in the theories of Freud and Jung.

7. Freud’s daughter Anna continued her father’s work

Sigmund Freud wasn’t the only member of the Freud family who made many contributions to psychology – his daughter Anna had esteemed career, and is seen as the founder of child psychoanalysis.

While child psychoanalysis was something that Freud was against, he would have been proud at Anna’s work. Her work has also impacted psychology.

8. Freud’s final years

Freud had to leave his native Vienna after the party ruling Germany at the time made their deadly invasion into Austria.

He eventually moved to England, where he would pass away in 1939 from jaw cancer. He had been a heavy smoker all of his life.

Freud’s cancer was inoperable, and after being in immense pain, Freud asked to be injected with a lethal amount of morphine.

Summary

Sigmund Freud certainly led an interesting life! As this article shows, his life is thought-provoking, and his legacy is certainly strong.

We have plenty of Freud-related articles on our website. To read more about Freud, you can see more by seeing our list of articles about Freud here.

See Also

• Overview of Sigmund Freud and His Theories
• 8 Interesting Facts About Sigmund Freud
• The Legacy of Sigmund Freud
• Freud and Mental Health Home
• Therapy Home
• Mental Health General Homepage