BO

BJPsych Open

BJPsych Open is a high-quality, online-only open access journal for the publication of all methodologically sound research in psychiatry and disciplines related to mental health. In addition to original research, the journal also publishes research protocols; a variety of review types including narrative, systematic and realist reviews; as well as policy and analysis of topical practice and research findings. The journal maintains the highest scientific, peer-review and ethical standards of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, led by a board of international Editors.

Looking to publish in BJPsych Open? Livewrite integrates seamlessly with Word to help you write, edit, and format faster.

Try Livewrite Now
Subject Psychiatry
Impact Factor 3.5
Quartile Q1
Open Access Type Open
ISSN 2056-4724
eISSN 2056-4724
Invitation Only No
Cost Range Article processing charges apply when not covered by an institutional open access agreement, with a 25% APC discount for Royal College of Psychiatrists members acting as corresponding author.

Submission Instructions

BJPsych Open accepts the following article types. Click on an article type to view submission instructions.

Paper

Cover Letter A covering letter is required. The covering letter must explain the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists and disclose if the research is part of or is a whole thesis.
Abstract Paper manuscripts must include an abstract. The abstract must be structured and no longer than 250 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Background, Aims, Method, Results, and Conclusions, with Trial Registration Number and Data Set Information included where appropriate.
Manuscript Paper manuscripts must be between 3000 and 5000 words excluding references, tables, and figure legends. Paper manuscripts should include Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion sections, and the Discussion must include limitations. The manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, a brief author contribution statement, and acknowledgements including any AI use or the statement that no artificial intelligence tools were used in the research or writing process for the manuscript.
References Paper manuscripts may include up to 40 essential references beyond those describing statistical procedures, psychometric instruments, and diagnostic guidelines used in the study. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed at the end with up to six author names given before using et al.
Figures & Tables Authors must indicate the desired position of each figure and table in the manuscript, and figures must be supplied as separate files unless LaTeX is used. Figures and tables must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Review

Cover Letter A covering letter is required. The covering letter must explain the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists and must disclose if the research is part of or is a whole thesis.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be 250-300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract headings must be Background, Aims, Method, Results, and Conclusions.
Manuscript Main text must not exceed 6,000 words excluding references, tables, and figure legends. Main text must include the sections Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, and conclusion. Manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, a brief author contribution statement, five keywords, and acknowledgment or declaration of any artificial intelligence tool use.
References Reviews may include up to 150 essential references in total. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order of appearance in the text and list up to six authors before using et al.
Figures & Tables There is no maximum number of tables or figures for Reviews. Figures must be supplied as separate files, while tables must have their desired positions indicated in the manuscript. Large tables that exceed one journal page must be published as online-only supplementary material.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Systematic Reviews

Cover Letter A covering letter is required. The covering letter must explain the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists and disclose if the research is part of or is a whole thesis.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be 250-300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Background, Aims, Method, Results, and Conclusions.
Manuscript Manuscript must not exceed 6,000 words excluding references, tables and figure legends. Main text must include Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion and conclusion, and the Method section must describe the search strategy, study selection criteria, and synthesis approach in sufficient detail to be replicable. Manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, brief author contribution statements, five keywords, required AI-use acknowledgements where applicable, and for systematic reviews a GRADE assessment or equivalent approach.
References References are limited to 150 essential references in total. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order of appearance in the text, listed in a numbered reference list at the end, and list up to six authors before using et al.
Figures & Tables Large tables that exceed one journal page must be published as online-only supplementary material. Figures must be supplied as separate files, while tables should have their desired positions indicated in the manuscript. Figures and tables must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Original Article

Cover Letter A covering letter explaining the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists is required. If the research is part of or is a whole thesis, the covering letter must disclose this.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be up to 250–300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract headings must be Background, Aims, Method, Results, and Conclusions.
Manuscript Main text must be between 3,000 and 4,000 words excluding references, tables, and figure legends. Main text must include Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion, with conclusions summarized at the end of the Discussion. The manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, a brief author contribution statement, and an acknowledgement or footnote declaration describing any AI tool use or stating that no artificial intelligence tools were used in the research or writing process.
References Original Articles may include up to 40 essential references beyond those describing statistical procedures, psychometric instruments, and diagnostic guidelines used in the study. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed at the end with up to six authors named before et al.
Figures & Tables A maximum of four tables and figures in total may be included in the main article. Figures must be supplied as separate files, and the desired position of each figure and table must be indicated in the manuscript. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Short Report

Cover Letter A covering letter is required. The covering letter must explain the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists and disclose if the research is part of or is a whole thesis.
Abstract An abstract is required as an unstructured one-paragraph summary. The abstract must not exceed 150 words. The abstract must be unstructured and presented as one paragraph.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 1200 words excluding references, tables, and figure legends, and must not exceed three printed pages. The manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, a very brief author contribution description, and acknowledgements including any required artificial intelligence use disclosure or the statement that no artificial intelligence tools were used.
References Short Reports may include up to 15 essential references. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed in a numbered reference list at the end, with up to six author names given before using et al.
Figures & Tables Short Reports may include one figure or table. Figures must be supplied as separate files, and the desired position of each figure or table must be indicated in the manuscript. Figures and tables must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Correspondence

Cover Letter A covering letter is required. Covering letter must explain the relevance of the submission to practising psychiatrists and disclose if the research is part of or is a whole thesis.
Abstract Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript Correspondence may be up to 500 words in length. Correspondence must include a Declaration of Interest statement.
References Correspondence may include a maximum of five references. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed in a numbered list at the end with up to six authors named before et al.
Figures & Tables Authors must indicate the desired position of each table and figure in the manuscript, and figures must be supplied as separate files. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Eletters

Cover Letter Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript eLetters may be up to 500 words in length. eLetters must include a Declaration of Interest statement, and for multiple-author eLetters the submitting author must provide a declaration relevant to all contributing authors.
References eLetters may include a maximum of five references. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed in a numbered list at the end of the paper.
Figures & Tables Figures & Tables requirements are not specified.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Case Reports

Cover Letter A covering letter is required. The covering letter must explain the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists and disclose if the research is part of or is a whole thesis.
Abstract An abstract may be included for Case Reports. Any abstract for a Case Report must not exceed 175 words. Case Reports may include an unstructured abstract, although a structured abstract may be requested depending on the case.
Manuscript Case Reports should normally be 2000 to 3000 words. The manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, author contribution information, and an acknowledgement or footnote declaration of any AI tool use, including a statement if no AI tools were used.
References References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed in a numbered list at the end of the manuscript.
Figures & Tables Large tables and figures that exceed one journal page must be included as supplementary material. Figures must be supplied as separate files, while authors must indicate the desired position of each figure and table in the manuscript. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Cost-Of-Illness And Cost Studies

Cover Letter A covering letter explaining the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists is required.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured.
Manuscript Manuscript must adhere to the word count limits for the regular paper, short paper, or review category assigned based on the submitted data. Manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, a brief author contribution description, and an acknowledgements statement that includes any required artificial intelligence use disclosure.
References References must adhere to the reference limits for the regular paper, short paper, or review category assigned based on the submitted data. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order of appearance in the text and listed in a numbered reference list with up to six authors named before et al.
Figures & Tables Figures must be supplied as separate files, and authors must indicate the desired position of each figure and table in the manuscript. Figures and tables must be cited in the text, numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Economic Evaluations

Cover Letter A covering letter explaining the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists is required.
Abstract Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript Economic evaluations must adhere to CHEERS reporting standards. The manuscript must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, a brief description of each author's contribution, and an acknowledgement or footnote declaration of any AI tool use, including a statement if no AI tools were used.
References References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order of appearance in the text and listed in a numbered reference list at the end, listing up to six authors before using et al.
Figures & Tables Figures must be supplied as separate files, while the desired position of each figure and table must be indicated in the manuscript. Figures and tables must be cited in the text, numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Economic Evaluations Based On Decision Analysis

Cover Letter A covering letter explaining the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists is required. The covering letter must disclose if the research is part of or is a whole thesis.
Abstract Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript Manuscripts must include a Declaration of Interest statement, a Funding Statement, a brief author contribution description, and an acknowledgement or footnote declaration describing any use of artificial intelligence tools, including a statement if none were used.
References References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed in a numbered list at the end of the manuscript, listing up to six authors before using et al.
Figures & Tables Figures must be supplied as separate files, while tables must be numbered, cited in the text, and their desired positions indicated in the manuscript. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Letters

Cover Letter A covering letter explaining the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists is required.
Abstract Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript Letters should be up to 1000 words in length. Original research cannot be accepted as a Letter. Letters must include a Declaration of Interest statement.
References Letters may include up to 9 references, and this maximum cannot be exceeded. References must use Vancouver style. References must be numbered in the order they appear in the text and listed in a numbered list at the end of the manuscript.
Figures & Tables Figures must be supplied as separate files, unless LaTeX is used. Tables and figures must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, cited in the text, and provided with captions.
Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Recent Publications

Post-traumatic stress following social media war violence: role of empathy and emotional awareness in youth

Daniel Schleicher, Irina Jarvers, Angelika Ecker, Stephanie Kandsperger, Romuald Brunner

10.1192/bjo.2026.12014
View Publication

Illuminating a joyless life: qualitative, transdiagnostic exploration of anhedonia

Clementine J. Edwards, Chloe Osei-Cobbina, Alison Duerden, Nicola Sirey, Vidhi Bassi, Adeola Agunbiade, Matteo Cella, Barnaby D. Dunn, Andrew Gumley

10.1192/bjo.2026.12004
View Publication

Physical health and activity management in forensic mental healthcare: hospital practices and staff insights from an Australian national study

Katherine Moss, Carla Meurk, Megan L. Steele, Ed Heffernan

10.1192/bjo.2026.12013
View Publication

Somatic yoga therapy for functional neurological disorder: feasibility randomised controlled trial

Emily Kennedy-Barnes, L. S. Merritt Millman, Yasmine Basamh, Anel Duarte, Jenna Pacelli, John Hodsoll, Susannah Pick

10.1192/bjo.2026.12003
View Publication

Prevalence and determinants of diabetes-related psychological distress in a tertiary care setting in Tamil Nadu, India: cross-sectional study – CORRIGENDUM

Gowri Palaniswamy, Lawrence Soosai Nathan, Senthil R. Kumar, Aravindakumar Subramanium, Karthikeyan Aravindakumar Gowri, Dhasaratharaman Thirunavukkarasu, Samuel J. Tromans, Rohit Shankar

10.1192/bjo.2026.12037
View Publication

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to publish?

Median time from submission to first decision: 33 days. Median time from submission to final decision: 143 days.

Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Is a cover letter required?

A covering letter is required and must explain the relevance of the research to practising psychiatrists. For thesis-related submissions, authors are required to disclose this in the covering letter. For revised transfers from another BJPsych journal, the response to reviewer comments should be detailed in the covering letter. Authors may also request fast-track assessment in the cover letter.

Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

What are the publication costs?

Article processing charges apply for Gold Open Access publication when not covered by an institutional open access agreement. Royal College of Psychiatrists members acting as corresponding author receive a 25% discount on the APC.

Reformat to BJPsych Open using Livewrite Premium

Research Topics

Schizophrenia research and treatment Mental Health Treatment and Access Psychiatric care and mental health services Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints COVID-19 and Mental Health Suicide and Self-Harm Studies Digital Mental Health Interventions Emergency and Acute Care Studies Mental Health and Patient Involvement Mental Health and Psychiatry Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development Bipolar Disorder and Treatment Child and Adolescent Health Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare Treatment of Major Depression Chronic Disease Management Strategies Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Innovations in Medical Education Migration, Health and Trauma Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies Healthcare Systems and Technology

Related Journals

JO
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry BMJ
IJ
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care Cambridge University Press
AP
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica WILEY
CP
Clinical Psychological Science SAGE Publishing
JO
Journal of Anxiety Disorders Elsevier BV
FI
Frontiers in Psychiatry Frontiers Media