The Psychiatric Bulletin was launched in October 1971 as a separate news and notes supplement to the British Journal of Psychiatry. At first, the Bulletin confined itself to publishing College statements, the details of divisional meetings, lists of fellows, and forthcoming events. Over the years, the Bulletin has undergone an ambitious expansion in the range of subjects covered. A special emphasis has been placed on publication of studies of practical clinical management, including the Mental Health Act, audit and training matters. There has also been an increase in papers on cultural, historical and media topics related to psychiatry. Other regular sections include interviews, usually with the elder statesmen of psychiatry, obituaries, conference reports and correspondence. The Bulletin also publishes educational articles, such as those on computing or good practice guidelines.