Anxiety neurosis: a 5-year follow-up

Fifty-seven patients who were seen on a psychiatric consultation service and who met criteria for the diagnosis of anxiety neurosis were followed up after 5 years. These patients presented symptoms from a variety of organ systems and appeared typical of anxiety neurotics seen in general medical practice. A favorable outcome was demonstrated in 67 per cent who were either recovered or mildly impaired. Women showed a more favorable outcome than men. Among men, age at the time of consultation was positively correlated with the degree of impairment after 5 years.