Illustration of an open book with a golden quill, representing the transition in the leadership of Psychiatry journal.

Transitions in Mental Health: Honoring Legacies and Embracing the Future

Author's portrait.
Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A tribute to Alice Fladung's enduring impact on Psychiatry and a warm welcome to the new Managing Editor, Mary Lee Dichtel."


The world of mental health, like all fields, evolves through the dedication of its people. Behind every published journal, every insightful article, and every piece of research lies a network of individuals whose commitment ensures the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of the field. In this spirit, we celebrate a significant transition within the esteemed publication Psychiatry.

After more than a decade of dedicated service, Alice Fladung, the Managing Editor, has retired, leaving behind a legacy of tireless effort and unwavering support for the journal, its authors, and its readers. Her commitment has been the backbone of Psychiatry, ensuring that the journal remained a vital resource for the community it serves.

As we bid farewell to Alice, we also extend a warm welcome to Mary Lee Dichtel, the new Managing Editor. This transition marks a new era for the journal. It also highlights the importance of mentorship, and the passing of the torch, ensuring the continued success of Psychiatry.

The Enduring Impact of Alice Fladung

Illustration of an open book with a golden quill, representing the transition in the leadership of Psychiatry journal.

Alice Fladung's tenure as Managing Editor was marked by an exceptional dedication to the journal and its mission. Those who have worked with her recall her diligence in keeping authors, reviewers, and editors organized and on schedule. This commitment is crucial to the journal's ability to operate and fulfill its purpose of disseminating crucial information in the field of mental health.

Her deep appreciation for the history, goals, and core values of Psychiatry shaped her work. Alice understood the importance of the journal's mission to serve scientists, clinicians, and patients by providing a platform for sharing knowledge, insight, and innovations within the community. She was more than just a Managing Editor; she was a steward of the journal's legacy.

  • Organizational Excellence: Managed complex publishing processes, ensuring timely and efficient publication of articles.
  • Commitment to Authors: Provided unwavering support and guidance to authors throughout the publication process.
  • Upholding Standards: Maintained the high standards of the journal, ensuring the quality and integrity of published content.
As Psychiatry moves forward, Alice's contributions will be remembered as a testament to her dedication, her vision, and her vital role in advancing the field of mental health. Her influence will continue to resonate within the pages of the journal and within the broader community it serves.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Psychiatry

The transition in leadership at Psychiatry offers an opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. With Mary Lee Dichtel at the helm, the journal is poised to continue its tradition of excellence. As the field of mental health evolves, the journal will remain a beacon of knowledge, fostering innovation, and serving as a vital resource for all. As we celebrate the past and embrace the future, we remain committed to supporting those who dedicate their lives to advancing mental health.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What were Alice Fladung's key contributions as Managing Editor of *Psychiatry*?

Alice Fladung demonstrated organizational excellence by managing complex publishing processes, ensuring timely and efficient publication of articles in *Psychiatry*. She showed commitment to authors by providing unwavering support and guidance throughout the publication process. She also upheld the high standards of the journal, ensuring the quality and integrity of published content, which was crucial to the journal's ability to operate and fulfill its purpose.

2

How does the transition from Alice Fladung to Mary Lee Dichtel impact the future direction of *Psychiatry*?

The transition from Alice Fladung to Mary Lee Dichtel represents a blend of honoring the past and embracing the future for *Psychiatry*. Alice Fladung's legacy of dedication and upholding standards provides a strong foundation, while Mary Lee Dichtel's leadership signals a continuation of excellence and innovation. This ensures the journal remains a vital resource in the evolving field of mental health, although the specific direction or initiatives Mary Lee Dichtel will introduce are not detailed.

3

Why is the role of a Managing Editor, like Alice Fladung or Mary Lee Dichtel, important for a publication like *Psychiatry*?

The role of a Managing Editor is critical for *Psychiatry* because they ensure the smooth operation of the journal. Alice Fladung, for example, kept authors, reviewers, and editors organized and on schedule. This organizational excellence is essential for disseminating crucial information in the field of mental health in a timely and efficient manner. The Managing Editor also acts as a steward of the journal's legacy, upholding its standards and supporting its mission.

4

In what ways did Alice Fladung's work as Managing Editor reflect the core values of *Psychiatry*?

Alice Fladung's work reflected the core values of *Psychiatry* through her deep appreciation for its history, goals, and mission. She understood the importance of the journal's role in serving scientists, clinicians, and patients by providing a platform for sharing knowledge, insight, and innovations within the community. Her commitment to upholding standards and supporting authors directly contributed to maintaining the quality and integrity of the journal's content.

5

What does the transition to Mary Lee Dichtel as Managing Editor signify for the mental health community served by *Psychiatry*?

The transition to Mary Lee Dichtel signifies a continued commitment to advancing mental health knowledge and supporting the community served by *Psychiatry*. While Alice Fladung's tenure established a strong foundation of organizational excellence and dedication, Mary Lee Dichtel's leadership promises to build upon this legacy. This ensures the journal remains a vital resource for scientists, clinicians, and patients, fostering innovation and disseminating crucial information in the evolving field of mental health. The transition also underscores the importance of mentorship and the passing of the torch in maintaining the journal's success.

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