Leon Eisenberg

Leon Eisenberg (August 8, 1922 – September 15, 2009) was an American child psychiatrist, social psychiatrist and medical educator who made significant contributions to the understanding of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is known for his work in child psychiatry and for his research into the biological and social causes of child psychiatric disorders.

Early life and education

Eisenberg was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1942 and from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946.

Career

Eisenberg began his career at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where he worked in the child psychiatry division. He later moved to the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he became the chief of child psychiatry.

Eisenberg's research focused on the biological and social causes of child psychiatric disorders. He was one of the first researchers to suggest that autism and ADHD were biological disorders, not the result of poor parenting. He also conducted research into the effects of social factors on child psychiatric disorders.

Eisenberg was a prolific writer, authoring or co-authoring more than 300 scientific papers and several books. He was also a dedicated teacher, mentoring many students who went on to have successful careers in psychiatry.

Personal life and death

Eisenberg was married to Carola Eisenberg, a psychiatrist and medical educator. They had two children. Eisenberg died on September 15, 2009, at the age of 87.

Legacy

Eisenberg's work has had a significant impact on the field of child psychiatry. His research into the biological and social causes of child psychiatric disorders has helped to shape the way these disorders are understood and treated today.

See also

• Child psychiatry
• Autism
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

External links

• New York Times Obituary

Leon Eisenberg Resources
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