The Prognosis of Anxiety Neurosis

Abstract

One hundred twelve anxiety neurotics originally seen in the medical clinics of a university hospital were interviewed after six years, and their outcome was compared with that of 110 surgical control subjects. Although socially impaired to a greater extent than control subjects, the majority of patients with anxiety neurosis, despite persisting symptoms, were shown to have a favorable outcome. Sixty-eight percent were either recovered or mildly impaired at follow-up examination. Of the prognostic variables examined, duration of illness and social class proved predictive of outcome. Secondary depression, which was reported by 44% of the neurotic subjects, represented the most frequent and potentially serious complication.