Clinical psychology, pyschiatry and pyschotherapy - All under one umbrella

Abstract

For more than 50 years, the journal 'Klinische Psychologie, Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie' (Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy) has been one of the leading journals for articles of the corresponding psychological branches. Regarding the progressing specialization and differentiation of these branches the question arises, if one journal alone can still cover this thematical width. To answer this question, the complete releases of the years 2003 and 2004 of the journal were bibliometrically analyzed regarding a) the presence of the scientific sectors in the article titles and b) their textual focuses. Overall 43 articles were released in the given timeframe. About 25% each accounted for Clinical Psychology and for Psychotherapy, whereas Psychiatry was hardly represented at all. Furthermore there was a relatively broad publication of articles on the subjects of Medical Psychology and test development. Textual focuses were composed of the prevalences of diverse psychological disorders and of the predictors for the success of psychotherapy. The results basically confirm the journals title, but likewise offer indications for possible changes.