Computerized content analysis of writings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Three brief excerpts from the autobiographical writings of Mohandas K. Gandhi were analyzed for neuropsychobiological content using the PCAD 2000 computer program. The computer software produces scores on 13 scales such as anxiety, hostility, cognitive impairment, and depression; compares the assigned scores with norms derived from 5-minute speech samples taken from normal, medically and psychiatrically healthy adults and children; and suggests DSM-IV diagnostic categories for consideration. The results demonstrate an objective, repeatable method for achieving insight into the mental states and traits of historic figures based on their writings.