Per Dalén was a prominent Swedish psychiatrist and medical researcher known for critically examining various medical and psychiatric issues. He earned his medical degree from Uppsala University in 1961. From 1957, Dalén worked as a substitute during summers at the Psychiatric Clinic of Akademiska Hospital in Uppsala. He then served as a junior doctor at Ulleråker Hospital in Uppsala from 1960 to 1966 and subsequently at S:t Jörgen’s Hospital in Gothenburg, where he became chief physician and clinic director in 1974.
In 1975, the year following his doctoral dissertation, Per Dalén was appointed as an associate professor (docent) in psychiatry while continuing his role as clinic director. In 1983, he assumed a similar position at Helsingborg Hospital. Dalén retired in 1995, culminating in a distinguished career marked by a commitment to evidence-based medicine and a rigorous approach to scientific inquiry.
A recurring theme in Dalén’s work was his scrutiny of diagnostic practices within psychiatry. He cautioned against the overuse of psychiatric diagnoses without adequate consideration of physiological causes. His writings emphasized the evolving nature of medical knowledge and underscored the importance of humility in scientific inquiry.
Dalén’s influence extended beyond academia into public discourse and activism, particularly within the dental health community, where he advocated for greater awareness of dental amalgam concerns.
As a prolific writer and communicator, Dalén engaged in email and phone debates on psychoanalysis, epidemiology, and the placebo effect. He utilized the internet to build networks and disseminate information, providing insightful analysis of current medical and public health issues.
Throughout his career, Dalén emphasized a cautious and respectful approach to medical debates, always ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge before engaging in discussions. His integrity earned him respect, even from those with differing viewpoints.
Per Dalén’s legacy underscores the importance of critical thinking and empirical rigor in medical research and public health advocacy. His contributions inspire scholars and practitioners to approach medical inquiry with humility and intellectual honesty, recognizing the complexities inherent in diagnosing and treating illness.
In addition to his academic achievements, Per Dalén collaborated with Geir Bjørklund on the Nordic Journal of Biological Medicine (Nordisk Tidsskrift for Biologisk Medisin), which served as a precursor to the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine.