Well-known 'pioneering' psychiatrist Prof Ivor Browne has died aged 95

Professor Ivor Browne was renowned for his approach to mental health and how he believed childhood trauma impacted adult psychiatry.

One of the country’s best-known psychiatrists, considered a revolutionary thinker when it came to trauma, has died.

Professor Ivor Browne was renowned for his approach to mental health and how he believed childhood trauma impacted adult psychiatry.

The 95-year-old, who was born in Sandycove in south Dublin, was former chief psychiatrist with the Eastern Health Board and professor emeritus of psychiatry at University College Dublin (UCD).

He spent most of his career working with patients who suffered with trauma and believed this was the root cause of a diagnosis in psychiatry.

Prof Browne was also regarded as a controversial figure because of his opposition to traditional psychiatry.

He had written several successful books, including Music and Madness and The Writings of Ivor Browne.

In 2017, he was the subject of the critically acclaimed Meetings with Ivor by filmmaker Alan Gilsenan, which included interviews with a number of musicians and writers.

He also spoke about his friendship with Brendan Behan and how he had taken LSD to expand his mind.

I’m sorry to share the sad news of the death of Prof. Ivor Browne. A remarkable figure and true pioneer in the area of mental heath. A man with a huge heart.. It has been an honour and joy to have known him. ..and his hugs will echo forever. 💜 ⁦#ivorbrowne pic.twitter.com/tepcXgj2qI

— Alan Gilsenan (@AlanGilsenan1) January 24, 2024

In a message on X (formerly Twitter) filmmaker Alan Gilsenan said: “I’m sorry to share the sad news of the death of Professor Ivor Browne.

“A remarkable figure and true pioneer in the area of mental health. A man with a huge heart.

“It has been an honour and joy to have know him… and his hugs will echo forever”.

Mark O'Brien, executive director of the Abbey theatre, also paid tribute to him. He said: "What an extraordinary man. His legacy is so great and profound. Condolences to his family and friends."

During his career, Prof Browne emphasised the importance of medication in an effort to help traumatised people to calm the mind.

He also defended the vulnerable many times, and famously wrote to the banks during the crash to tell them he would hold them responsible if any of his patients ended their lives.

He also highlighted how his patients could not manage the mounting stress of mortgages and bills during the economic downturn in the late 1990s.

At the time he said: "I am hearing people who are being hassled and who are being threatened that their homes will be repossessed.

I am writing letters to the banks holding them personally responsible if this man commits suicide. Unless you can make them take personal responsibility, it is very difficult to get at them.

He also called out the mental health profession and highlighted other ways and means to manage psychiatry. 

In 1996, he was found guilty of professional misconduct and was censured by the Medical Council after he spoke out in support of Phyliss Hamilton, who had an affair with Fr Michael Cleary which resulted in two children who were later adopted.