Obituary: David Goldberg, psychiatrist | Otago Daily Times Online News

Sir David Goldberg’s contribution to the field of medicine was the development of the General Health Questionnaire, a mental health screening tool originally intended for research purposes but later utilized worldwide as a diagnostic tool. Born in London, Sir David received training in both medicine and psychiatry, completing his clinical training at St Thomas’ Hospital. Throughout his career, he gained recognition for his work in social psychiatry, epidemiology, and advancements in clinical training, eventually retiring from King’s College London after 40 years as Emeritus Professor of psychiatry. In the 1960s, Sir David’s interest was piqued by how general practitioners managed their patients’ psychological issues, leading him to create the GHQ. This instrument was designed to be universally applicable and could be customized for specific communities, facilitating its widespread adoption internationally. Recognized as a trailblazer in primary care psychiatry, he was knighted in 1997 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2009. Sir David passed away on September 5 at the age of 90. — Agencies