Haraton Davidian (born 1927 – died 2017) was one of the most prominent Iranian psychiatrists, known as the father of modern psychiatry in Iran. He played a significant role in the development and advancement of psychiatry in Iran and had a profound impact on subsequent generations of psychiatrists and the mental health of the Iranian community through his teaching, research, and publications.

In this article, we explore the life of Professor Haraton Davidian and his influence on the field of psychiatry in Iran.

Life and Education of Haraton Davidian, the Father of Iranian Psychiatry

Professor Haraton Davidian was born in 1927 in Tabriz. After completing his primary and secondary education in his hometown, he went to Tehran for his university education and studied medicine at the University of Tehran. After receiving his doctorate in medicine, he went abroad to specialize in psychiatry, studying and researching at prestigious universities in Europe and the United States.

Upon returning to his homeland and starting his academic career, he held various positions in education, including assistant professorships and the head of the psychiatric department. In 1968, he was promoted to professor of psychiatric diseases at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tehran.

In 1971, he was elected an honorary member of the founding committee of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in England and served as a mental health expert at the World Health Organization from 1970 to 1991. From 1971 to 1983, he was a member of the international committee of the World Psychiatric Association and from 1978 to 1985, a member of the ethics committee of this association.

The University of Tehran did not have a psychiatric department until 1950. However, that year, with the efforts of Dr. Hossein Rezaei, this department was established at Imam Khomeini Hospital and the following year it was transferred to Roozbeh Hospital. Dr. Davidian worked as the first psychiatric assistant in this hospital under the supervision of professors such as Dr. Rezaei and Dr. Mirsepassi. With the support of the then Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Mohammad Ali Hafizi, Dr. Davidian established the occupational therapy department at Roozbeh Hospital and led it.

Due to his outstanding scientific and research achievements and his valuable services to the psychiatric community and active participation in establishing and expanding educational and scientific institutions in the country, Professor Haraton Davidian was elected an honorary member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1998.

In 1999, he was also selected by the World Psychiatric Association as one of the five “Pioneers in Psychiatry.” He was also a founding member of the Iranian Psychiatric Association and chaired it from its inception in 1996.

Dr. Haraton Davidian always made his home a center for research and studies. Despite being an honorary founding member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in England and having invitations from several prestigious universities around the world, he chose Iran to live and serve the people of his country.

The Importance of Psychiatry

Psychiatry plays a crucial role in understanding and treating neurological and mental disorders, contributing to the improvement of individuals’ quality of life. This field, by diagnosing and treating mental and neurological illnesses using psychiatric medications, helps enhance people’s mental health. Overall, psychiatry, by establishing mental balance in individuals, provides a strong foundation for a healthy and dynamic society.

Professional Activities of Professor Haraton Davidian, the Father of Iranian Psychiatry

• Teaching and Training New Generations

After returning to Iran, Davidian worked as a professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tehran and played a key role in training many prominent Iranian psychiatrists. He established and developed various educational and research departments in psychiatry, creating a strong scientific foundation for this field in Iran.

• Research and Writing

Throughout his professional life, the father of Iranian psychiatry, Professor Davidian, conducted numerous research and authored many books and scientific articles. His works in various fields of psychiatry, including psychotherapy, clinical psychiatry, and the history of psychiatry, are used as important and credible resources in universities and scientific centers in Iran and around the world.

• Role in the Development of Treatment Centers

He also played a role in establishing and developing psychiatric treatment centers and hospitals in Iran. Through his efforts, modern and well-equipped psychiatric centers were established in Tehran and other cities in Iran, significantly improving psychiatric treatment services in the country.

The Legacy of the Father of Psychiatry in Iran

Professor Haraton Davudian continued his scientific and professional activities until the end of his life. His legacy in the field of psychiatry is recognized not only in Iran but also internationally as an example of commitment and effort towards improving human mental health.

Davudian passed away in 2017, but his valuable contributions and services remain in the memories of his colleagues, students, and those who benefited from his work.