| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Randomised controlled trials are the gold standard for evaluating mental health care interventions. We assessed the content and quality of trials published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica and Supplementum since 1948.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All trials were identified manually, quality assessed, data extracted, and sought on Medline.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>About 8.6% of all reports in the journal were clinical trials (n = 582) with the peak frequency in the 1980s. Most originate from Europe (80%) and focus on depression (~38%) or schizophrenia (27%). The median sample size is 44. We found only two trials that fully met the criteria of quality reporting RCTs set by CONSORT statements (0.34%) since 1996. Less than 50% of records were possible to identify by a Medline search using broad methodological terms.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Acta is a major source of health trials. The standard of reporting is similar to other journals but better adherence to CONSORT would ensure higher quality of reports and better dissemination.</p>
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