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Career and role in psychiatry

Eveleen O’Brien, a notable figure in Irish psychiatric medicine during the 20th century, commenced her career in the 1930s amid the expansion of the Irish asylum system, driven in part by the 1810 Criminal Lunatic Act. She served as an assistant medical officer at Portrane Mental Hospital, where her lifelong dedication to epilepsy research began. Her contributions extended to Richmond Lunatic Asylum in Grangegorman, Dublin, where she focused on the care of epilepsy patients and the overlap between neurology and psychiatry. From 1933 to 1966, she worked at Grangegorman Mental Hospital, eventually becoming governor of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, a position she held until 1971. O’Brien was both a clinician and a researcher, publishing numerous papers, including Ireland’s first comprehensive review of insulin therapy.

One of her most significant contributions was her pioneering work with insulin therapy at Grangegorman Mental Hospital, documented in a report titled “ Insulin therapy: A short review of the work done in Grangegorman mental hospital.” This report chronicled the treatment of patients with mental disorders, notably highlighting the case of Miss M.K., a 26-year-old clerk admitted with Katonic excitement. O’Brien’s meticulous record-keeping revealed the effectiveness of insulin therapy, which began with a 15-unit dose and later increased to 35 units. Miss M.K.’s condition improved significantly, ultimately leading to her discharge and return to work.

While her research advanced medical understanding, O’Brien also confronted challenges within the asylum system, such as funding shortages and overcrowding. She advocated for improved facilities and better patient care within the Irish division of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association (RMPA), particularly championing the needs of epilepsy patients.

Eveleen O’Brien’s career extended beyond her research, as she was part of a group of Irish women doctors who contributed significantly to the development of medical services and the betterment of social conditions, especially for the marginalized and mentally ill during the early 20th century. Her legacy endures as a testament to her dedication to advancing psychiatric medicine and improving the lives of those she served.