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Establishment of a Madness Research Center in Iran

Jan 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Iran has approved the establishment of a 'Madness' research center at the Razi Psychiatric Educational-Treatment Center to address the high prevalence of mental illness in the country. The center aims to compile extensive data on mental health and develop a national mental health program. This development is significant given the conflicting statistics on mental health issues in Iran, with estimates of mentally ill individuals ranging from 12 to 19 million.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The establishment of the 'Madness' research center represents a significant step towards addressing mental health challenges in Iran.

👥 Key Players

Hamidreza Khanke MENTIONED
Vice President for Research and Technology at the University of Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
"He is a key figure in the establishment of the new research center and plays a significant role in advancing mental health initiatives in Iran."
Razi Psychiatric Educational-Treatment Center MENTIONED
Established psychiatric hospital and research center
"As one of the oldest and largest psychiatric facilities in the Middle East, it has a substantial archive of mental health data and expertise."
Ministry of Health MENTIONED
Government body overseeing health policies
"Their approval is crucial for the establishment and funding of health-related initiatives, including mental health programs."

📰 What Happened

Iran has approved the establishment of a new 'Madness' research center at the Razi Psychiatric Educational-Treatment Center to address mental health issues in the country. This center aims to compile data on mental illnesses and develop a national mental health program.

  • The center will also include a genetics and biological research laboratory related to mental illnesses.
  • Estimates of mentally ill individuals in Iran range from 12 to 19 million, highlighting a significant public health concern.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This initiative is crucial for addressing the high prevalence of mental illness in Iran, which has been largely underreported and under-researched.
🌍 Regional: It may set a precedent for mental health research and treatment in the Middle East, where mental health issues are often stigmatized.
🌐 International: Improving mental health care in Iran could enhance international perceptions of the country's health policies and governance.

📚 Background

Mental health issues in Iran are prevalent, with conflicting statistics indicating millions suffering from various disorders. The establishment of dedicated research centers is a response to this public health crisis.

Mental health care in Iran Public health policy in the Middle East
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information appears to be sourced from official announcements and statements, suggesting a reliable account of the developments.

The Council for the Development of Medical Sciences Universities has approved the establishment of a 'Madness' research center at the Razi Psychiatric Educational-Treatment Center. Hamidreza Khanke, the Vice President for Research and Technology at the University of Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, announced this news on Thursday (December 5). Mr. Khanke added that this center will be established 'given the extensive information on various mental illnesses at the Razi Psychiatric Educational-Treatment Center.' This official also mentioned the preparation of a 'national mental health program and mental illness' following the establishment of this center. He further noted that 'simultaneously with this research center, a genetics and biological research laboratory related to mental illnesses will also be established at this center.' The request to establish the 'Madness' research center in Iran was submitted last year by Razi University to the Ministry of Health. According to officials at the Razi Psychiatric Educational-Treatment Center, this center is one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in Iran and the largest educational-treatment center in the Middle East. As Mr. Khanke stated, this center has a 'very rich' archive of various mental illnesses due to its historical background. Unofficial statistics indicate that the number of mentally ill patients in Iran ranges between 12 to 19 million, with authorities and responsible organizations disagreeing on this matter. On May 22, 2013, Ahmad Ariaye-Najhad, a member of the Health and Treatment Commission of the Parliament, reported the existence of '12 million mentally ill patients in the country.' Ariaye-Najhad stated that 'there have not been proper studies in the country to investigate the causes of mental disorders, and if any studies have been conducted, they have been general.' Three days after these statements, Ahmad Jalili, the elected president of the Iranian Psychiatric Association, announced that about 19 million people in Iran suffer from 'mental illness.' According to Mr. Jalili, the average of mentally ill patients in most countries worldwide is about 25%, while the latest survey in Iran shows about 23%.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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