To describe the characteristics of psychiatric research and their changes within one decade by analysing the publications in three high impact general psychiatric journals.

All articles published in the “American Journal of Psychiatry“, “British Journal of Psychiatry” and “Archives of General Psychiatry” in 1994 and 2004 were considered for analysis. The publications were classified as “research” or “non-research” articles and further categorised according to a range of variables including “methodology”, “research area”, “subject matter”; “number of participants” and “statement on funding”. Data were analysed descriptively.

In 2004 the overall percentage of non-research articles was 6,8% higher than in 1994. The use of different research methods remained fairly stable, with the exception of case-control studies, which accounted for a slightly higher percentage of all publications in 2004 compared to 1994. Further relevant developments included the tremendous increase in published studies involving neuro imaging techniques from 1994 to 2004. An increase in publications was also found for genetic and cross-cultural studies, while the number publications in most other research areas remained relatively stable. Moreover, the percentage of papers reporting funding also increased significantly from 1994 to 2004.

The systematic analysis of journal content can be used to assess the state of psychiatric knowledge and practice. Highlighting advancements and changes over time it may reflect research trends and policies.