Reviewer Guidelines

“The Tamil Psychiatry Journal (TPJ) recognizes that rigorous, ethical, and timely peer review is the cornerstone of credible psychiatric research publishing.”

Purpose of Peer Review

The peer review process at TPJ ensures the scientific quality, ethical soundness, and clinical relevance of all manuscripts considered for publication.

Reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the journal’s standards by providing constructive, objective, and evidence-based feedback to assist both editors and authors in enhancing the quality of submitted work.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts assigned for review are treated as strictly confidential documents.
Reviewers must:

  • Not share, copy, distribute, or discuss the manuscript with others without prior authorization from the Editor.
  • Not use unpublished data, ideas, or information from the manuscript for personal research or advantage.

Confidentiality must be upheld even after the completion of the review process.

Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must decline a review invitation if any situation exists that could compromise impartial judgment, including:

  • Recent or ongoing collaborations with the author(s).
  • Employment or affiliation with the same institution as the author(s).
  • Any financial, academic, or personal relationship that could influence objectivity.

Any potential conflict must be immediately reported to the Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editor.

Transparency in disclosure aligns with COPE’s Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers.

Review Focus Areas

Reviewers are requested to evaluate the manuscript on the following parameters:

  • Scientific validity and originality of the research.
  • Relevance and contribution to clinical psychiatry or mental health practice.
  • Methodological rigor and ethical compliance (including approval and consent where applicable).
  • Clarity, coherence, and accuracy in data presentation and interpretation.
  • Significance and usefulness for the psychiatric and academic community.

Constructive and specific criticism should be aimed at improving the manuscript, not discouraging authors.

Review Format

A well-structured review enhances clarity and helps editors make informed decisions.
Each review should include:

  1. General Comments: Overall impression of the manuscript, its significance, and originality.
  2. Specific Comments: Detailed evaluation of methodology, results, discussion, and interpretation.
  3. Minor Suggestions: Notes on grammar, references, tables, figures, and presentation clarity.

Recommendation Options:

  • Accept as is
  • Minor Revision
  • Major Revision
  • Reject

Each recommendation should be justified with clear and evidence-based comments.

Ethical and Professional Conduct

Reviewers are expected to:

  • Provide objective, courteous, and unbiased evaluations.
  • Avoid personal criticism or language that may be perceived as disrespectful.
  • Complete the review within three (3) weeks of invitation acceptance.
  • Inform the editor promptly if unable to complete the review or if additional time is required.

All reviews must reflect academic integrity, aligning with COPE’s standards for ethical peer review.

Recognition of Reviewers

TPJ deeply values the voluntary contribution and scholarly service of its reviewers.
To acknowledge their efforts:

  • Reviewers’ names may be published annually on the journal website (with prior consent).
  • The confidentiality of individual reviews and manuscript assignments will always be strictly maintained.

Reviewer Confidentiality and Ethical Agreement

By accepting a review invitation, each reviewer explicitly agrees to:

“Maintain confidentiality, disclose any conflicts of interest, and provide an unbiased, constructive, and timely review in accordance with COPE’s Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers.”

Commitment to Ethical Review Practice

The Tamil Psychiatry Journal believes that ethical, fair, and transparent peer review is fundamental to academic publishing.

Through their expertise and professionalism, reviewers contribute to upholding scientific credibility, advancing psychiatric knowledge, and fostering trust within the global research community.