There is no doubt that, in the modern era, psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry have a relationship, though the nature of this is not universally well defined. Given that psychotropic medication is widely prescribed (ranking 3rd and 4th in US sales in 2007), and the role of the pharmaceutical industry in medical education has come under scrutiny, it is worth noting that the relationship between the industry and psychiatry trainees has not been studied in great depth.

Our Pan-European research group, composed exclusively of psychiatry trainees from at least 18 different countries, as part of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) has sought to study this in a systematic fashion. I will present preliminary findings of our survey, PRIRS (Psychiatric Residents-Industry Relationship Survey) which is currently taking place.

It is also hoped that this will facilitate a discussion amongst those attending the session, on the role of the pharmaceutical industry in psychiatric training, education and in general.