New Horizons: A Fresh Perspective from the Editor’s Desk

Samrat S Bhandari¹, Shyamanta Das²

¹Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

²Department of Psychiatry, Dhubri Medical College and Hospital, Dhubri, Assam, India

Corresponding Author: Samrat S Bhandari, Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India, Phone: +91 8348767641, e-mail: samrat.bhandari@yahoo.co.in

How to cite this article: Bhandari SS, Das S. New Horizons: A Fresh Perspective from the Editor’s Desk. East J Psychiatry 2024;24(1):1–2.

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None

In a field as dynamic and evolving as psychiatry, we stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, ready to undertake a journey of exploration and enlightenment. Psychiatry, the science of the mind, has witnessed remarkable strides in recent years. The scene of mental health is changing rapidly, not only in terms of our understanding of disorders but also in the way we approach diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with mental illness. Our vision should be to embrace progress while honoring the rich legacy of psychiatric research and practice. In the Eastern Journal of Psychiatry, we aim to showcase a diverse range of articles that reflect the multifaceted nature of contemporary psychiatry. Through these articles, we seek to provide a platform for voices that contribute to the holistic understanding of mental health.

EXPLORING INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

The complex nature of mental illness necessitates a collaborative approach. Collaborative interdisciplinary research holds promise for enhancing communication and expediting the translation of research findings into practical applications. Evidence from clinical settings illustrates that the level of cooperation among healthcare professionals can significantly influence patient outcomes.¹ We encourage submissions that explore the intersections between psychiatry and other disciplines such as neurology, psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, and public health. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we hope to break down the barriers and promote a comprehensive understanding of mental well-being.

ADDRESSING STIGMA AND PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY

One of the challenges that persists in the field is the stigma associated with mental health conditions. There is a delay in help-seeking among patients with mental illnesses because of stigma, which negatively affects the course of the illness and quality of life.² Our editorial team is committed to publishing content that addresses stigma head-on and advocates for inclusivity. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, we aim to contribute to health equity and a more compassionate and understanding society.

INCORPORATING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The advent of digital technologies has brought about transformative changes in healthcare, and psychiatry is no exception. The growth of digital health offers significant opportunities to enhance clinical care delivery in psychiatry through the integration of emerging technologies such as mobile health (mHealth), telemedicine, and wearable medical devices. These technologies facilitate improved access, reduced costs, and increased quality of care, with studies supporting their effectiveness in primary care settings. However, the rapid proliferation of mental health apps presents challenges, including concerns about evidence-based effectiveness, privacy, and harmful content.³ We invite submissions that explore the integration of technology in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders while adhering to the best practices.

A CALL FOR RIGOROUS RESEARCH AND ETHICAL PRACTICE

As the new editorial team, we emphasize the significance of employing rigorous research methodologies and upholding ethical standards. The rigorous methodology of research is the foundation of scientific progress. These methodologies entail a systematic approach to inquiry, meticulous planning, thorough data collection, rigorous analysis, and robust interpretation. Adhering to such methodologies ensures the reliability, validity, and replicability of research findings, thereby instilling confidence within the academic community. In line with our commitment to maintaining integrity, the journal will only consider manuscripts that adhere to all ethical requirements, including approval from recognized ethical committees. Additionally, for trials involving interventions, registration in a clinical trial registry is mandatory.⁴ We strongly encourage researchers to submit work that not only advances knowledge but also aligns with ethical principles in both research and clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we are excited about the opportunity to serve as editors and guide the Eastern Journal of Psychiatry on a path of excellence and relevance. We invite you, the esteemed members of our community, to join us in this endeavor by contributing your valuable research, insights, and experiences. Together, let us explore the ever-evolving field of psychiatry, fostering a journal that reflects the vibrancy and dedication of our collective pursuit of mental health understanding and advocacy.

REFERENCES

1. VanWormer A, Lindquist R, Robiner W, et al. Interdisciplinary collaboration applied to clinical research: an example of remote monitoring in lung transplantation. Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2012;31(03):202–210. DOI: 10.1097/DCC.0b013e31824e0307

2. Schnyder N, Panczak R, Groth N, et al. Association between mental health-related stigma and active help-seeking: systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Psychiatry 2017;210(04):261–268. DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.116.189464

3. Hategan A, Giroux C, Bourgeois JA. Digital technology adoption in psychiatric care: an overview of the contemporary shift from technology to opportunity. J Technol Behav Sci 2019;4(01):171–177. DOI: 10.1007/s41347-019-00086-x

4. ICMJE | Recommendations | Clinical Trials. ICMJE: 2018. Available from https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/publishingand-editorial-issues/clinical-trial-registration.html

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