The Department of Paediatric, Social and Forensic Psychiatry was founded in 1969 (till 1965 - the course of psychoneurology) after its separation from the Department of General Psychiatry (head – Full Professor Yo. A. Polishchuk).

The first head of the department was Full Professor P. I. Kovalenko, former Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine, Director of Ukrainian Research Psychoneurology Institute (Kharkiv).

In 1975-1992 the department was headed by Full Professor L. O. Bulakhova.

In 1992-2008 the department was headed by MD, Dr. Sc., Full Professor A. P. Chuprykov, Director of Ukrainian Research Institute for Social and Forensic Psychiatry (part time), Honoured Scientist and Technologist.

In 1996 the department was named the Department of Paediatric, Social and Forensic Psychiatry. 

Since 2008 the department has been headed by MD, Dr. Sc., Full Professor V. D. Mishyiev.