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Anthony Clare
Anthony Clare
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Anthony Ward Clare (24 December 1942 – 28 October 2007) was an Irish psychiatrist and a presenter of radio and television programmes. He was the presenter of the radio series In the Psychiatrist's Chair, an interview and discussion show, which aired on BBC Radio 4.

Key Information

Career

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Clare was born in Dublin to Agnes (née Dunne) and Ben Clare, and was educated at Gonzaga College. He read medicine at University College Dublin (UCD), where he was an auditor of the Literary and Historical Society, and graduated in 1966. During his time at UCD, he won the 1964 Observer Mace debating competition, speaking in a team with Patrick Cosgrave.[1] Following initial training in psychiatry at St Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, he moved to the Institute of Psychiatry (now part of King's College London) at the Maudsley Hospital in London, where he studied under Professor Michael Shepherd. Clare held a doctorate in medicine and a master's degree in philosophy, and was a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.[2]

Author of several popular books on psychiatry, Clare held the positions of Professor and Head of Department of Psychological Medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and medical director of St Patrick's Hospital, Dublin. At the time of his death, Clare was serving as Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist at St. Edmundsbury Hospital in Lucan, Dublin.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Clare was the best-known psychiatrist in Britain. His first media appearances were on the light-hearted BBC Radio 4 discussion programme Stop the Week. He was also for many years the voice of the BBC popular science programme QED. Clare became famous for his probing interviews on radio and television with well-known figures such as Bob Monkhouse and Paddy Ashdown[3] in several series of In the Psychiatrist's Chair,[4] which ran from 1982.[5]

Personal life and death

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As a young man Clare lost his Catholic faith and later explained why in a newspaper interview.

I can't really believe in a God that can suddenly and haphazardly intervene during one moment of history, causing air crashes, genocide and famine.[3]

Clare married Jane Hogan in 1966 and they had seven children together.[3]

He was due to retire from his post as Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist at St Edmundsbury Hospital (now St. Patrick's Mental Health Services) in Lucan, Dublin when he died suddenly of a heart attack in Paris at the age of 64.[6]

Television programmes

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Radio programmes

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Books

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  • Depression and How to Survive It (Co-written with Spike Milligan)
  • Lovelaw
  • In the Psychiatrist's Chair I, II & III
  • On Men: Masculinity in Crisis
  • Psychiatry in Dissent: Controversial Issues in Thought and Practice

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Anthony Ward Clare (1942–2007) was an influential Irish , , and broadcaster who played a pivotal role in demystifying for the general public through his long-running series In the Psychiatrist's Chair and a series of accessible books challenging conventional psychiatric thought. Born on 24 December 1942 in to a middle-class family, Clare was educated at the Jesuit and graduated in medicine from in 1966, later earning an MD for his on premenstrual complaints and an MPhil for on psychiatric illness among Irish immigrants. His early career included postgraduate training in at St Patrick's Hospital in in 1967 and a registrar position at 's Maudsley Hospital in the 1970s, where he advanced to senior registrar and lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry by 1976. By 1983, at the age of 41, he had risen to professor and head of the Department of Psychological Medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital in , a position he held until returning to in 1988 as medical director of St Patrick's Hospital and clinical professor of at , roles he maintained until 1998; he also served as a consultant adult at St Edmundsbury Hospital. Clare's key contributions to psychiatry emphasized psychotherapy over biological models, critiqued controversial practices, and promoted better training standards in the UK and Ireland, while his research addressed topics like chronic fatigue syndrome and dispelled myths such as higher schizophrenia rates among Irish emigrants. He authored over 100 research papers and several influential books, including his debut Psychiatry in Dissent: Controversial Issues in Thought and Practice (1976), which challenged orthodox views; Psychosocial Disorders in General Practice (1979); Let's Talk About Me (1981); Lovelaw (1986); Depression and How to Survive It (1993, co-authored with ); and On Men: Masculinity in Crisis (2000), his final book. The radio series In the Psychiatrist's Chair, which aired from 1982 to 2001, featured in-depth interviews with prominent figures from various fields, exploring their personal lives and , and inspired four companion books of transcripts. Clare also contributed to television, providing voiceovers for programs like QED and appearing on After Dark on Channel 4. Throughout his career, Clare mentored young psychiatrists with research grants and elevated the public profile of by making complex topics approachable and stigma-free, profoundly shaping perceptions of psychological medicine in Britain and . His life and work were detailed in the 2021 official biography Psychiatrist in the Chair by Brendan Kelly and Muiris Houston. He died suddenly of a heart attack on 28 October 2007 in , at the age of 64, leaving a legacy as one of the leading communicators of in his generation.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Anthony Ward Clare was born on 24 December 1942 in , , as the youngest of three children and the only son to Bernard Clare and Agnes (née ) Clare. His father worked as a state solicitor with the land registry, described by Clare as a gentle romantic and somewhat unsuccessful in his profession, while his mother was strong-willed and ambitious, determined to ensure her children's success. The family belonged to 's middle-class Catholic community, residing in a comfortable suburban home that provided a stable, if conventional, upbringing. Clare's early years were shaped by this familial dynamic, particularly his mother's influential personality, which he later credited with sparking his interest in the human psyche as he sought to understand her complexities. Raised in a devout Catholic household, he served as a committed altar boy during his childhood, though he would eventually drift toward . The family's emphasis on achievement and intellectual development was reinforced through Clare's enrollment at , a prestigious Jesuit school in , where he received a rigorous education that honed his analytical skills. As a child, Clare displayed a precocious talent for debate and oratory, winning competitions such as the Observer Mace alongside schoolmate Patrick Cosgrave, which reflected his empathetic yet probing nature and early fascination with human behavior. These traits, combined with the Jesuit emphasis on social change and ethical inquiry, laid the groundwork for his later pursuits in medicine and psychology.

Medical and psychiatric training

Anthony Ward Clare received his early education at , a Jesuit institution in , which instilled a disciplined approach to academics that influenced his subsequent medical studies. He then enrolled at (UCD), where he pursued a , graduating with an MB BCh BAO in 1966. He later earned an from the in 1982 for his thesis on premenstrual complaints and an MPhil from the in 1972 for research on psychiatric illness among Irish immigrants. Following graduation, Clare completed an internship in family practice at St Joseph's Hospital in , before returning to in 1967 to begin postgraduate training in at St Patrick's Hospital in . This initial phase involved hospital rotations in various Dublin institutions, providing foundational clinical experience in general and early exposure to psychiatric care. In 1970, Clare advanced his psychiatric education by taking up a registrar position at in , affiliated with the Institute of Psychiatry, where he trained from 1970 to 1972. During this period, he worked under the influential psychiatrist Aubrey Lewis, whose emphasis on empirical and social approaches to shaped Clare's developing perspective on the field. In 1973, he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), marking the completion of his core specialist training. Clare's early research during his Maudsley tenure reflected emerging interests in , psychiatric , and social dimensions of mental illness, including studies on such as alcohol, , and barbiturates, as well as ethical issues in treatments like . He also explored dissent within , critiquing prevailing models of mental illness and advocating for a more integrated biopsychosocial framework, themes that would later inform his seminal 1976 publication Psychiatry in Dissent.

Professional career

Early positions in the United Kingdom

Following his initial psychiatric training in , Anthony Clare relocated to the in 1970 to pursue advanced clinical and academic roles. He began as a psychiatric registrar at the in from 1970 to 1972, where he gained foundational experience in a leading center for psychiatric education and research. This position served as the entry point to his subsequent advancements in the UK. Clare progressed to senior registrar at the from 1973 to 1975, during which he published a series of research papers in prominent journals, including the British Journal of Psychiatry and the British Medical Journal, addressing key issues in and diagnosis. From 1976 to 1979, he served as a research worker in the General Practice Research Unit at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, focusing on the interface between and . He then advanced to in the same unit from 1980 to 1982, where he edited the journal Psychological Medicine (1979–1981) and co-edited the volume (1982), emphasizing integrated services. In 1983, Clare was appointed professor and head of the Department of Psychological Medicine at Medical College, , a role he held until 1989; in this capacity, he oversaw clinical training and research, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to psychological medicine. These early positions solidified Clare's expertise in both clinical practice and academic inquiry.

Academic and clinical roles in Ireland

In 1989, Anthony Clare returned to Ireland from his position at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London to take up the role of professor of clinical at . This appointment marked a significant phase in his career, where he applied insights from his experience to advance psychiatric and practice in Ireland. At , Clare contributed to the development of postgraduate psychiatric training programs, influencing the curriculum to emphasize evidence-based approaches and clinical integration. Concurrently, Clare was appointed medical director of St. Patrick's Hospital in , a position he held for approximately ten years. In this role, he oversaw the expansion of services, including the establishment of specialized outpatient clinics, with a particular focus on chronic fatigue syndrome, which enhanced community-based mental care and reduced reliance on institutional treatment. These initiatives reflected his commitment to accessible, modern , bridging hospital-based care with broader needs. Clare was renowned as an excellent teacher who mentored numerous junior psychiatrists, guiding their through hands-on supervision and academic encouragement at Trinity College. His influence extended to shaping the next generation of Irish psychiatrists by fostering and clinical expertise in a field often under-resourced. By 2007, Clare had transitioned to a consultancy role at St. Edmundsbury Hospital, a unit affiliated with St. Patrick's, and was preparing for retirement at the end of that year.

Contributions to psychiatry

Critiques and key publications

Anthony Clare's most influential publication, Psychiatry in Dissent: Controversial Issues in Thought and Practice (1976), offered a trenchant critique of psychiatric orthodoxies, particularly the over-medicalization of mental illness and the reliance on rigid diagnostic labeling. In the book, Clare argued against viewing mental health in dichotomous terms of normal versus abnormal, instead proposing a continuum model that acknowledged the fluid boundaries between everyday psychological distress and clinical disorders. He advocated for humanistic approaches that prioritized understanding individual contexts over reductive biomedical categorizations, while defending psychiatry's scientific validity against anti-psychiatry detractors. This work highlighted ethical dilemmas in the field, such as the risks of compulsory treatment and the underfunding of community-based services, urging a more ethical and patient-centered practice. The second edition of Psychiatry in Dissent, released in 1980 and often contextualized within broader discussions of practice, further elaborated on these critiques by incorporating updated analyses of diagnostic challenges and therapeutic options. Clare promoted talk therapy as a primary intervention, emphasizing its role in fostering and narrative exploration over an exclusive dependence on psychotropic drugs. He explored the tensions between Freudian psychoanalytic traditions and emerging , cautioning against unverified theoretical constructs while bridging psychological insights with biological understandings of the mind. In his later works, such as the compiled transcripts from the radio series In the Psychiatrist's Chair—published in volumes during the 1990s—Clare illustrated these principles through in-depth interviews that centered patient and public narratives, reinforcing the rejection of stigmatizing labels and the promotion of conversational therapy as an ethical cornerstone of . These publications collectively challenged the field's ethical boundaries, advocating for reforms that balanced scientific rigor with compassionate, individualized care. Clare's research contributions included over 100 papers addressing specific topics such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), where he chaired international guidelines meetings in and advocated for balanced approaches to and treatment, and psychiatric illness among Irish immigrants, where his MPhil work and subsequent studies dispelled myths of elevated rates attributable to genetic or social factors unique to the Irish population.

Advocacy for mental health reform

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Anthony Clare actively campaigned against the over-reliance on institutionalization in care, both in the and, later, . Working as a in , he critiqued the inadequacies of large psychiatric hospitals, highlighting issues such as underfunding, poor staffing, and the stigmatizing effects of long-term confinement. In his seminal 1976 work Psychiatry in Dissent, Clare called for a shift toward community-based care, advocating state-funded models that emphasized flexible, socially informed treatments to support patients' reintegration into society while maintaining medical oversight. This perspective aligned with broader deinstitutionalization movements and influenced policy debates on reducing hospital admissions. Upon returning to in 1988 as medical director of St Patrick's Hospital in , Clare extended these efforts, implementing community-oriented programs to modernize services and reduce institutional dependence. Clare's foundational ideas from his publications underpinned his push for ethical standards in , though his primary focus remained on domestic reforms. In the , Clare delivered influential public lectures and conference presentations on and , shaping policy conversations in Ireland. His 1999 Kilbrandon Lecture, titled "The Lost Boyhood of Judas," examined how traditional roles in affected and outcomes, challenging the historical tendency to blame mothers for disorders like and depression while emphasizing fathers' roles in fostering emotional resilience and reducing stereotypes. Delivered amid evolving Irish policies, this work highlighted paternal deprivation's links to and mental illness in boys, contributing to for -centered strategies that informed initiatives. Clare also collaborated closely with organizations such as the to advance psychotherapy's integration into mainstream practice. In the 1970s, as a registrar in the , he founded the Association of Psychiatrists in Training and led a national campaign against excessive training burdens imposed by the , securing reforms that prioritized comprehensive education, including psychotherapeutic methods alongside biological approaches. His eclectic "portmanteau model" of psychiatry, blending biomedical, psychological, and social elements, influenced guidelines and training curricula, promoting psychotherapy as essential for holistic patient care. Later honored as an honorary fellow by the in 2007, Clare's efforts helped destigmatize treatment and elevate psychotherapy's role in both and Irish systems.

Broadcasting career

Radio series and interviews

Anthony Clare began his radio career in the 1960s with in Ireland, where he served as a presenter and , contributing segments on and topics. These early broadcasts laid the groundwork for his public engagement with psychological issues, drawing on his clinical expertise to make complex concepts accessible to Irish audiences. In the 1970s, he gained prominence on BBC Radio 4's Stop the Week, hosting features on . Clare's most renowned radio work was as host of In the Psychiatrist's Chair on , which aired from 1982 to 2001 and comprised over 100 episodes across eight series. The series featured unscripted, empathetic in-depth interviews with prominent figures, exploring their personal struggles, childhood experiences, , and motivations in a non-confrontational, style that often lasted around an hour. Notable guests included writer , broadcaster , and actor , among hundreds of others from diverse fields such as politics, arts, and entertainment. Produced in collaboration with BBC producer Michael Ember, who assisted in guest selection and recording sessions often held in a simple office setting, the show evolved from its inaugural 1982 episode to emphasize therapeutic dialogue over mere interrogation, reflecting growing public interest in psychological self-reflection. Clare's psychiatric background informed this approach, fostering an intimate atmosphere that encouraged vulnerability and had a profound impact on listeners by humanizing discussions. By the 1990s, the series had interviewed over 60 guests, solidifying its role as a pioneering platform for empathetic exploration of emotional lives.

Television appearances and discussions

Clare's acclaim from radio broadcasting facilitated his transition to television, where he emerged as a key communicator of psychiatric concepts through discussions and documentaries. He was a regular host and panelist on Channel 4's After Dark from 1987 to 1991, chairing live overnight debates on contentious issues including sexuality, madness, football, and murder, featuring diverse guests such as philosopher , politician , author , and feminist . In Ireland, he presented the RTÉ series Irish in Mind in the late 1980s, a collection of interviews examining psychological aspects of Irish identity, such as his 1989 discussion with politician John Hume on national character and personal motivations. Clare also narrated episodes of the BBC's science documentary series QED throughout the 1980s and 1990s, providing voiceovers for programs exploring psychological and medical topics, including savant syndrome in The Boy Who Draws Buildings (1991), thereby demystifying mental health conditions for general audiences. As a guest on and ITV shows, including chat programs like and religious discussions on , Clare frequently addressed the role of in , , and , offering insights that bridged clinical expertise with . His television presence was characterized by a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental style that built rapport quickly, humanized intricate topics, and encouraged viewers to view normality and abnormality as a continuum rather than binaries.

Personal life

Marriages and children

Anthony Clare married Jane Hogan in 1966, whom he had met while she was studying for an MA in medieval English at . The couple had seven children together: three sons and four daughters. Their family life was marked by significant relocations tied to Clare's professional commitments, including a move to in the early 1970s for his psychiatric training at the and later academic role at , before returning to in 1988 when he took up the position of clinical professor of at . Clare balanced his demanding career in , academia, and with fatherhood, often prioritizing family despite the strains of public life and frequent travel. He and Jane maintained a stable partnership for over four decades, with their home in becoming a central hub after the family's return from the . The relocations impacted the children, who adapted to shifts between countries during their formative years, though Clare emphasized the importance of family bonds in his personal philosophy. Clare was notably private about his family, rarely discussing his wife or children in public interviews or writings, even as he drew out intimate details from guests on his radio and television programs. This stance reflected his professional ethos of separating personal and public spheres, ensuring his family's life remained shielded from media scrutiny.

Final years and death

In the early 2000s, Anthony Clare faced an increasingly demanding workload as adjunct professor of at , consultant at St Edmundsbury Hospital, and prolific author and speaker, leading to symptoms of burnout including exhaustion and depression. Despite these challenges, he continued his broadcasting career, presenting the final series of In the Psychiatrist's Chair on in 2001. His son later recalled that Clare became "depressed, withdrawn, and harried" in his later years, though he received steadfast support from his wife Jane throughout this period. Further insights into his personal struggles and family life are provided in the 2020 biography Psychiatrist in the Chair by Brendan Kelly and Muiris Houston. Clare had planned to retire just two months after his death, intending to focus on family and writing projects. In October 2007, he and his wife Jane took a holiday at their home in Sardinia, a location they cherished. While returning home via a stopover in Paris, Clare suffered a sudden heart attack on 28 October 2007, at the age of 64; there had been no prior public indication of severe underlying health issues. Following his death, Clare's body was repatriated to , where a private funeral was held in on 1 November , attended by close family and professional colleagues.

Legacy

Awards and recognitions

Anthony Clare was elected a of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (FRCPsych) in 1985, recognizing his contributions to psychiatric practice and research during his tenure at and the . He had previously become a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) in 1973, marking the progression of his professional standing in the field. Clare was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of (FRCPI) from 1983, reflecting his expertise in clinical and his role in advancing care in . In 1998, he received an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians (London), honoring his broader impact on and public understanding of psychological issues. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to psychiatry, Clare accepted an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2007, shortly before his death; he had previously declined the honor multiple times, feeling his contributions were insufficient. These fellowships underscored his influence in bridging clinical with public discourse. Clare received an honorary doctorate from the for his work in awareness and broadcasting.

Influence on public discourse

Anthony Clare profoundly shaped public discourse on by demystifying through his use of accessible, non-technical language in broadcasts and writings, making psychological concepts approachable for lay audiences. His radio series In the Psychiatrist's Chair (1982–2001), which featured candid interviews with public figures discussing personal vulnerabilities, played a pivotal role in normalizing conversations about and reducing associated stigma. This empathetic style encouraged listeners to view mental illness not as a failing but as a treatable human experience, influencing how media outlets today portray psychological issues. Clare's public advocacy extended to policy discussions in Ireland, where his efforts raised awareness of systemic shortcomings in services during the and early 2000s. By highlighting issues like poverty's role in exacerbating mental illness and the need for better community-based care, he contributed to broader societal pressure for reforms and improved access to treatment post-. In 1998, he spearheaded a national campaign to enhance public understanding of mental illness, which helped foster a more supportive policy environment. Posthumously, Clare's contributions have received renewed attention through scholarly works and media revivals that underscore his enduring impact. The 2020 biography Psychiatrist in the Chair by Brendan Kelly and Muiris Houston examines how his broadcasting dismantled barriers to mental health dialogue, drawing on archival materials to illustrate his societal influence. Furthermore, the BBC's release of In the Psychiatrist's Chair episodes as podcasts since has allowed new generations to access his interviews, perpetuating his role in public education on psychological topics. Clare's cultural legacy lies in inspiring empathetic approaches to journalism, where professionals now prioritize compassionate narratives over . His interviews with celebrities, such as those revealing personal struggles with depression and anxiety, set a for high-profile disclosures that continue to destigmatize in contemporary media and society. This influence is evident in the increased openness among public figures today, reflecting Clare's vision of as an integral part of everyday discourse.

Bibliography

Major authored books

Anthony Clare's major authored books addressed critical themes in , , and societal influences on , establishing him as a prominent voice in demystifying psychological issues for both professionals and the public. His debut major work, Psychiatry in Dissent: Controversial Issues in Thought and Practice, published in 1976 by Tavistock Publications in , provided a sharp critique of psychiatric labeling and diagnostic practices, questioning the broad application of the mental illness concept while advocating for a more humane and evidence-based approach to . The book, spanning 438 pages in its initial edition, earned widespread acclaim for its bold yet balanced stance, becoming a seminal text that reinvigorated debates within the field and was frequently cited in academic discussions on psychiatric ethics and theory. A second edition followed in 1980, further solidifying its impact. In 1979, Clare co-authored Psychosocial Disorders in General Practice with P. Williams, published by , which explored the recognition and management of psychological issues in settings, emphasizing the role of general practitioners in . Let's Talk About Me: Why Do We Need Other People? (1981), published by , critically examined the rise of new psychotherapies and movements, offering an accessible analysis of interpersonal relationships and emotional needs. Clare's Lovelaw (1986), published by , delved into the psychological dimensions of love, sex, marriage, and divorce, drawing on clinical insights and societal trends to discuss relational dynamics in modern life. In 1993, he co-authored Depression and How to Survive It with , published by , blending personal narrative with psychiatric expertise to provide practical guidance on coping with depression and reducing stigma. Clare's later work, On Men: Masculinity in Crisis, released in 2000 by Arrow Books (an imprint of ), delved into the vulnerabilities of men amid shifting roles in a post-feminist era, drawing on clinical cases and cultural analysis to highlight emotional repression and societal pressures on . It received positive reception for its accessible yet profound exploration, contributing to broader public discourse on and , with reviewers noting its relevance to contemporary male identity crises. Overall, these books not only achieved strong academic citations—Psychiatry in Dissent alone referenced in numerous psychiatric reviews and studies—but also bolstered Clare's broadcasting career by popularizing complex ideas through engaging prose.

Edited works and contributions

Anthony Clare co-edited Psychiatry and General Practice with Malcolm Lader, a collection that highlighted the integration of psychiatric care into primary medical settings and stemmed from a key on the subject. Throughout his career, Clare contributed over 100 research papers and reports to academic journals, with a significant portion appearing in the British Journal of Psychiatry from the 1970s to the 1990s; these articles often examined the efficacy of , diagnostic challenges, and ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. He also provided forewords for several works by colleagues, including Caring for the Suicidal by John Eldrid (1988), which addressed parasuicide and prevention strategies, and the first edition of Stalkers and Their Victims by Paul E. Mullen, Michele Pathé, and Rosemary Purcell (2000), emphasizing the clinical and forensic aspects of stalking behavior. Clare contributed chapters and forewords to books on Irish mental health , such as discussions of cultural influences on psychiatric care in Ireland, supporting broader explorations of the field's development in his native country. Additionally, in the 1990s, transcripts from his series In the Psychiatrist's Chair were compiled into edited volumes, preserving key interviews that illuminated psychological themes through public discourse.

References

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