Depressive neurosis

Abstract

– The results of a 7-year follow-up study of 50 former psychiatric inpatients with a diagnosis of depressive neurosis (ICD 300.4) who met the RDC criteria for Major Depression are reported. The follow-up assessment of the patients included the use of standardized social, psychological and psychopathological instruments. In addition, the course of illness as well as the utilization of medical services and periods of working disability was evaluated. The results indicate a rather unfavourable course and outcome in terms of symptoms for approximately 40% of the sample, including six patients who had committed suicide after index discharge. Almost 40% of the sample showed mild chronic symptoms with persistent impairments in social functioning especially in the area of social interaction, whereas only 20% of the sample were classified as satisfactorily improved or completely remitted.