António Barahona Fernandes

Biography

António Barahona Fernandes (1904–1992) was a renowned Portuguese psychiatrist, professor, and researcher, considered one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Portuguese psychiatry. He played a crucial role in shaping mental health policies and advancing the study of psychopathology in Portugal. Barahona Fernandes was a professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon and a leading figure in psychiatric reform, advocating for a more humanized approach to mental health treatment. His anthropological-medical model emphasized the interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental illness. Throughout his career, he contributed significantly to the development of psychiatric institutions and policies in Portugal, leaving a lasting impact on the field. His work remains a reference in Portuguese psychiatry, influencing generations of mental health professionals.