Mental health research in the Lancet: A case study

Background:The Lancet recently declared that it intends to "make mental health one of its campaign focal points". However, it has been silent on the role it might play in disseminating mental health research. Aims:To examine The Lancet's track record in publishing mental health research relative to its disease burden. Methods:Research articles (n733) published in The Lancet over a 2.5 year period (20032005) were coded according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) classification system and compared with data from the 2002 GBD study. A range of other characteristics including whether consumers were involved in the research process were coded. Results:Mental health articles (excluding neurological and substance abuse) accounted for 1.8 of articles but are responsible for a worldwide YLD of 22.8 (25.4 high income countries) and DALYs of 9.0 (14.7 in high income countries). Conclusion:Despite its commendable mental health advocacy work, mental health research is under-represented in The Lancet. The journal should take steps to ensure that the dissemination of mental health research is not a neglected aspect of their advocacy activities.