Korchia Theo | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Korchia Theo | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Théo Korchia 🇫🇷 is a French psychiatrist specializing in early-onset schizophrenia 🧩, with a passion for innovation in mental health care 💡. Based at Aix-Marseille University and APHM 🏥, he completed a research fellowship at McGill University in Montreal 🇨🇦. His groundbreaking work emphasizes personalizing antipsychotic treatment using pharmacogenetics 🧬, improving patient adherence and quality of life ❤️. His notable contributions include addressing sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia treatment 💔, a topic often neglected. He published a major meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry 📘, shedding light on its prevalence. Winner of the Schizophrenia International Research Society award 🏆, Dr. Korchia advocates for a psychiatry that is humane, patient-centered, and scientifically rigorous 🔬. His work not only enhances clinical outcomes but also builds stronger therapeutic alliances through trust and transparency 🤝. Driven by compassion and innovation, he envisions a future where mental health care is personalized, inclusive, and profoundly impactful 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Théo Korchia began his medical education in France 🎓, obtaining his degree in psychiatry with a focus on early-onset psychotic disorders 🧠. Supported by Aix-Marseille University and APHM 🏥, his academic journey was enriched by international exposure at McGill University 🇨🇦, where he deepened his expertise in psychiatric research and pharmacogenetics 🧬. His commitment to academic excellence led to extensive training in clinical practice, psychopharmacology, and patient-centered care 🩺. Throughout his studies, he explored the intersection of pharmacology, genetics, and psychiatry, aiming to personalize schizophrenia treatment for better efficacy and fewer side effects 🧪. His education was marked by a strong emphasis on translational research, ethics, and therapeutic alliance 🤝. Dr. Korchia continues to be involved in academic teaching and mentoring, sharing his knowledge with students and young professionals 📚. His education forms the bedrock of his mission: to evolve psychiatric care into a more compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized discipline 🌟.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Korchia’s clinical journey began in France 🇫🇷 at APHM and Aix-Marseille University 🏥, where he treated patients with early-onset schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders 🧠. His international experience includes a transformative year of research at McGill University 🇨🇦, focusing on pharmacogenetics and treatment personalization 🧬. In both hospital and research settings, he has contributed to improving psychiatric care through innovative approaches, especially regarding the management of antipsychotic side effects 🩻. With a hands-on approach, he integrates patient voices in treatment plans 🗣️, fostering therapeutic alliance and adherence 🤝. He has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, presented findings at international conferences 🌐, and published in high-impact journals like JAMA Psychiatry 📘. Passionate about breaking stigmas, Dr. Korchia also advocates for the recognition of sexual dysfunction in psychiatric care 💔. His experience bridges cutting-edge science and compassionate care, making him a leading voice in progressive psychiatry 💡.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Théo Korchia was honored by the Schizophrenia International Research Society 🏆 for his pioneering research in early-onset schizophrenia treatment 🧠. He was supported by Aix-Marseille University and the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille 🎓🏥, which facilitated his international research fellowship at McGill University 🇨🇦. His impactful publication in JAMA Psychiatry 📘—a meta-analysis involving 21,000+ patients—highlighted sexual dysfunction prevalence in schizophrenia, earning him global recognition 🌍. His work addressing often-ignored dimensions of psychiatric care, such as sexual health 💔, has been lauded for its clinical relevance and humanistic perspective. Known for combining scientific rigor 🔬 with empathy ❤️, he is frequently invited to share insights at conferences and symposiums worldwide 🎤. These accolades reflect not only academic excellence but also his commitment to enhancing patient-centered care 🧩. Dr. Korchia’s recognition symbolizes a growing awareness of the holistic needs of individuals with mental illness 🌟.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Korchia’s research centers on early-onset schizophrenia 🧠, with a sharp focus on pharmacogenetics 🧬 to personalize antipsychotic treatments and minimize side effects. He addresses the often-overlooked issue of sexual dysfunction 💔 in schizophrenia, a side effect that significantly impacts quality of life and treatment adherence 📉. His landmark meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry 📘 quantified this burden, influencing clinical guidelines and public discourse. He explores how integrating patient perspectives and improving therapeutic alliances 🤝 can enhance outcomes. His work bridges biological psychiatry and patient-centered care 🩺, emphasizing that innovation is not just drug development, but rethinking care models to reflect human experience 🧠❤️. He champions the inclusion of sexual health in risk-benefit analysis of psychiatric medications 💡. Ultimately, Dr. Korchia’s goal is to evolve psychiatry into a more humane, personalized, and effective field—where each treatment plan respects the unique biology and lived experience of the individual 🌍.

Publications 
  • Impact of perceived side-effects of psychotropic treatments on quality of life in patients with severe mental illness

    Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
    2025-12-31 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Théo Korchia; Mélanie Faugère; Vincent Achour; Eloïse Maakaron; Christelle Andrieu-Haller; Guillaume Fond; Christophe Lançon
  • Lifetime sexual violence experienced by women asylum seekers and refugees hosted in high-income countries: Literature review and meta-analysis

    Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
    2024-01 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Laura Cayreyre; Théo Korchia; Anderson Loundou; Maeva Jego; Didier Théry; Julie Berbis; Gaëtan Gentile; Pascal Auquier; Jérémy Khouani
  • Sexual Dysfunction in Schizophrenia

    JAMA Psychiatry
    2023-11-01 | Journal article
    Part ofISSN: 2168-622X
    CONTRIBUTORS: Théo Korchia; Vincent Achour; Mélanie Faugere; Ali Albeash; Dong Keon Yon; Laurent Boyer; Guillaume Fond
  • Utilizing pharmacogenetics when treating first episode psychosis

    Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
    2023-01-03 | Journal article
    Part of ISSN: 1180-4882
    CONTRIBUTORS: Theo Korchia; Ridha Joober; Raphaelle Richieri; Priyadharshini Sabesan; Lena Palaniyappan

Siamak Khodarahimi | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Siamak Khodarahimi | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Profile

Education

Dr. S. Khodarahimi holds multiple academic degrees in psychology, including a B.A. in Clinical Psychology from Shiraz University, Iran (1987), and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Meshed Ferdowsi University, Iran (1994), where he achieved a GPA of 18.93. He earned his first PhD in Clinical Psychology from Atlantic International University, USA, in 2005, with a GPA of 3.76. Further advancing his expertise, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology at Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2010, receiving an “Excellent” rating. In 2020, he obtained a second PhD in Psychology from Lorestan University, achieving a remarkable GPA of 19.61. His research has focused on various aspects of psychology, including psychotherapy, personality structures, workplace stress, and sleep and dream quality in individuals with anxiety disorders.

Work experience

Dr. S. Khodarahimi has held several academic and administrative positions throughout his career. From 2000 to 2022, he served as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Islamic Azad University, Eghlid Branch. Additionally, between 2000 and 2006, he held the role of Vice President for Research at the same institution and was a member of the Research Council for the First Zone of Islamic Azad University.

His earlier academic roles include serving as a contractual faculty staff member in the Psychology Department at Bavanat Payam Nour University, Fars, Iran (1999–2002), and as a faculty staff member of the Research Group for Behavioral Sciences at the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Shiraz (1998–1999). Prior to that, from 1994 to 1997, he was a contractual faculty member in the Psychology Department at Chamran Ahwaz University, Ahwaz, and contributed to the Research Group for Social Psychology at ACECR, Ahwaz.

Dr. Khodarahimi’s leadership experience includes serving as the Dean of the Research Center for Psychological Services in Shiraz, Fars, from 1990 to 1992, highlighting his longstanding commitment to psychological research and education.

Teaching Experience

Dr. S. Khodarahimi has an extensive teaching and training background, spanning multiple universities and covering a wide range of psychology courses.

From 1993 to 1997, at Chamran Ahwaz University, he taught courses such as Mental Health, Personality Theories, Principles of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology (1), Theories of Psychotherapy, and Introduction to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods.

Between 1999 and 2002, at Payam Nour University – Bavanat Center, his teaching portfolio included Psychology of Development (1 & 2), Psychology of Personality, Social Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Individual Research Projects in Psychology, Introduction to Neuropsychology, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology Texts in English (1 & 2), Research Method in Psychology, and Psychology of Work.

From 2000 to 2022, at Islamic Azad University – Eghlid Branch, he instructed courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Psychology for Nursing, Psychology of Learning, Developmental Psychology (1 & 2), Counseling Methods and Outlines, Child Counseling, Exceptional Psychology, and Introduction to Practical Research.

Dr. Khodarahimi’s diverse teaching experience reflects his expertise in various psychological disciplines, ranging from clinical and developmental psychology to research methodology and neuropsychology.

Research interests

1. Positive Psychology, Mental Health, Cross Cultural, Psychotherap and
Interdiciplinary Reaserch.
2. Investigation in psychosocial interventions and psychopathological issues
among adolescents, youth, adults and women.
3. Research in anxiety disordres, worry, emotions, and high risk behaviors with
focus on psychological interventions at individual and collective levels.

Publication

Mojtaba Rahimian Bougar | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mojtaba Rahimian Bougar | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

 

 

Profile

Education

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology from Payame Noor University of Abadeh Center in 2014, where he conducted a research project titled Comparison of Early Maladaptive Schemas Among Three Groups of Men Dependent on Opium, Under Treatment, and Non-Dependent Over 15 Years of Age in Shiraz City. In 2023, he completed his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the Islamic Azad University, Kish International Branch. His master’s research focused on The Structural Model of Suicidal Tendency Prediction Based on Psychological Needs, Mental Pain, and Object Relations with the Moderating Roles of Defense Mechanisms and Ego-Strength.

Work experience

He is currently working as a Clinical Psychologist with an MA in Clinical Psychology. Previously, from 2013 to 2016, he served as an Expert in Charge and Research Consultant at Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. From 2019 to 2024, he worked as a Psychologist at the Social Emergency Center under the Welfare General Bureau of Fars Province in Shiraz, Iran. During the same period, he was an active member of various working groups, including the Working Group on Preventing Drug Misuse and Addiction, the Association for the Protection of Child Labourers under the Governorship & Welfare General Bureau, and the Suicide Prevention initiative within the Mental Health Unit of the Health & Care Professional Network in Eqlid City, Iran.

From 2013 to 2016, he worked as an Expert and Consultant at the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology at Larestan School of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. From 2019 to 2024, he served as a Psychologist at the Eghlid Social Emergency Center under the Welfare General Bureau of Fars Province in Shiraz, Iran. Since 2019, he has been an active member of the Suicide Management and Prevention Working Group, as well as the Social Damage Prevention Working Group in Eqlid City, Fars Province. In 2023, he took on the role of Social Service Specialist at the Welfare Organization in Fars Province, Eqlid City, where he continues to contribute to social welfare initiatives.

National and international presentations and conferences

Farmani, A., Faramarzi, H., Rahimian Bougar, M., Sadeghi, M., & Aminian, M. (2021). Psychosocial
trauma screening during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the 3rd International
Conference on Psychology, Counseling and Education, 11 February 2021, Mashhad, Iran.
Rahimian Bougar, M., Farmani, A., Ahmadi, S., & Rahiminejad, S. (2021). Comparison of Early
Maladaptive Schemas in Opioid Abusers and Healthy Individuals. In the 3rd International Conference
on Psychology, Counseling and Education, 11 February 2021, Mashhad, Iran.
Farmani, A., Farahmand, H., Sadeghi, M., & Rahimian Bougar, M. (2021). Prediction of Marital
Conflict Management Styles on the Basis of the Big Five Factors of Personality with the Mediating Role
of Patience Components among Young Females. In the 9th International Conference of Modern
Research in Psychology,Counseling,and Educational Sciences, 22 July 2021, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Rahimian Bougar, M. (2016). The study of effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation to reduce
symptoms in patients with migraine headache. The 5th Symposium of World Federation of
Neurosurgical Societies & The 7th International Neurosurgery Congress & The 1st International
Neuroscience Confederation Congress, 17-22 Apr 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Rahimian Bougar, M. (2016). The study of the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its relationship to
quality of life and mental health of cancer patients. The 5th Symposium of World Federation of
Neurosurgical Societies & The 7th International Neurosurgery Congress & The 1st International
Neuroscience Confederation Congress, 17-22 Apr 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Bostani, S., & Saem, J. (2016). Investigating the Individual and
Effective Protection Factors of Appropriate and Inappropriate Cesarean Section in Pregnant Women
Referred to Larestan Imam Reza Hospital. International Congress on Social Studies on Health For
Students, 21-23 December 2016, Shiraz, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Bostani, S., & Raeisi, Z. (2016). An Explanation on the Prevalence
of Learning Disorders in Terms of Socioeconomic Factors of Health among the Elementary School
Students in Larestan City during Year 2014. International Congress on Social Studies on Health For
Students, 21-23 December 2016, Shiraz, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Raeisi, Z., Bostani, S., & Sarafraz, N. (2016). THE PREVALENCE
OF SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR AND PROGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION IN ADOLESCENTS AND
YOUNG ADULTS IN LARESTAN CITY. At the 17th International & Iranian Congress of Microbiology,
23-25 August 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Neydavodi, M., Rahimian Bougar, M., Abedi, K., Mohammadi, Z., Raeisi, Z. (2016).
PREVALENCE OF PEDICULOSIS IN STUDENTS OF LARESTAN CITY IN 2015. At the 17th
International & Iranian Congress of Microbiology, 23-25 August 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Bostani, S., & Alaie Nejad, M. (2016). Investigating the effects of
common atmospheric and air pollutants on cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders: A
review study: with an emphasis on the pathology of atmospheric elements and air pollution in Iran. The
2nd International Conference on Environmental sciences, 25 & 26 May 2016, Tehran, Iran.

Publication