Published on behalf of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, and established in 1982, the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine is dedicated to acting as an international forum for the publication of research on the science and practice of psychiatry. Its main aim is to disseminate original scientific research to a national and international readership with the objective of improving clinical practice and service development in mental health. The journal advocates for delivering high quality clinical care and improvement in mental health services, and is committed to keeping the field of mental health vibrant and relevant by publishing research on novel topics.

The Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine publishes research papers, short reports, review papers, editorials, case reports, historical papers, perspective pieces and book reviews. There are four editions published per year, for which rapid peer review process and publication is considered a priority. The journal regularly publishes special themed editions guest edited by internationally respected academics in a particular research field. With a progressive focus, the journal provides important reading for clinicians, researchers, policymakers and all professionals with an interest in mental health.

All submissions related to cutting edge themes in psychiatry which will progress mental health practice and policy are welcome to Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine. Here are some examples of key themes for which article submissions are desirable:

1. Evidence-based biological and pharmacological treatments, including newer medications
2. Climate change and mental health
3. Youth mental health
4. Minority and disadvantaged groups and mental health (including traveller mental health and migrant mental health)
5. Improving physical health in mental illness
6. Mental health services innovation and development (including specialised services such as early intervention in psychosis, addictions dual diagnosis, self-harm, eating disorders, adult ADHD)

The journal has also established a Trainee Author Mentoring Scheme with the purpose of assisting trainees in preparing manuscripts for submission to the journal. Please see below for more information on the scheme and how to participate.

Article Types

Original Papers*

Original papers should be divided into sections as follows: Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion. A Conclusions section is not mandatory but may be included if the author wishes, or may be requested at a later stage by peer-reviewers or editors. The Results section should present a summary of main results and should not simply refer to tables.

Generally papers should not have text more than 4,000 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract, tables/figures and references). In exceptional circumstances longer papers may be considered for publication. Papers shorter than these limits are encouraged. For papers of unusual importance the editors may waive these requirements.

For all papers submitted to the journal please ensure that all limitations are clearly discussed and describe any efforts made to reduce the impact of the study limitations.

Short Reports*

These papers should be no longer than 2,000 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract, tables/figures and references) and should be divided into sections using guidance above for original papers. There is a limit of two tables/figures for short reports.

Review Papers*

Review papers should be up to 4,000 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract, tables/figures and references). In exceptional circumstances longer papers may be considered for publication. Systematic reviews will be prioritised for publication. Where appropriate review papers should have introduction, methods, results and discussion sections, with the methods section outlining the search strategy in detail. A flow diagram outlining the flow of information through different phases of the review should also be included. An example of a flow diagram can be found at the PRISMA statement website (www.prisma-statement.org). Narrative reviews will also be considered for publication, particularly by authors with expertise on a particular topic.

Audit Papers*

Audit papers may be up to 4,000 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract, tables/figures and references). Audit papers will only be considered for publication if they are of exceptional quality and contain original content of interest to developing mental health services. It is preferable that audit papers present the full cycle of audit, including initial audit data, intervention and re-audit data. In exceptional circumstances, papers presenting one element of the audit cycle may be published, but priority will be given to papers presenting full audit cycles. The format for audit papers may differ from that outlined for original papers, and may include, for example, Introduction, Methods, Audit, Intervention, Re-Audit and Discussion.

Historical Papers*

Historical papers may be up to 4,000 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract, tables/figures and references). The journal has a strong history for publication of historical papers and such papers remain of interest to the journal. The format is usually similar to that of an original paper or review paper.

Editorials

Editorials include submissions with an opinion piece or viewpoint on topics such as a current issue in mental health, or on an article published in the journal. Editorials should be no longer than 1,500 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract and references). They may be commissioned by the Editorials Editor or Editorial Board members. Commissioned editorials will be subject to editorial review and specialist peer review if necessary. Uncommissioned editorials will go through the normal peer review process.

Case Reports*

Case reports may be up to 4,000 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract, tables/figures and references), although will often be substantially shorter, and shorter submissions are encouraged. All case reports must have the patient's written, informed consent before the paper is submitted.

Case reports will only be considered for publication if they are of exceptional original clinical importance or are relevant for generating new hypotheses.

Perspective Articles*

Perspective articles are welcome for submission and can give a unique perspective on an aspect of mental health or service delivery. They typically have one or two authors and may be up to 4,000 words in length (excluding title, authors, abstract, tables/figures and references), but will often be substantially shorter.

Book Reviews and Letters to the Editor

No abstract is required for a book review or letter to the Editor. They have a limit of 1,000 words (excluding title, authors and references). They should include a competing interests statement (other statements are not required). Book review submissions should be submitted through the peer review system for consideration by the Book Review Editor. Letters to the Editor should also be submitted using the ScholarOne system. Letters to the Editor in the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine will be published online only. A selection of Letters to the Editor will be published in the hard copy of the journal.

Trainee Author Mentoring Scheme

A Trainee Author Mentoring Scheme has been established by the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine with the purpose of assisting trainees in preparing manuscripts for submission to the journal. Mentors provide guidance on how to improve the quality of manuscripts prior to the submission stage. Mentorship provided will vary according to the proposed manuscript and, for example, may include simple editing of the draft manuscript or more fundamental methodological advice.

Mentorship does not guarantee acceptance of your manuscript, which will ultimately go through the usual process of peer review following submission.

To be eligible for the Trainee Mentoring Scheme you need to be in psychiatry training and have at least a full provisional draft of your submission already prepared. If you are interested in applying for the Trainee Author Mentoring Scheme please contact Trainee Editor Cornelia Carey (corneliacarey1@gmail.com) who will liaise further with you and put you in contact with a mentor as appropriate.