Relationship between neurotic symptoms and neurotic diagnosis: a longitudinal study

Symptoms of anxiety, panic, depression, hypochondriasis and phobias were recorded serially over a 2-year period in 78 psychiatric patients with depressive, anxiety and phobic neuroses. It was hypothesised that if there was a clear-cut relationship between symptom type and diagnosis the current classification of neurotic disorder would be supported. The results showed great temporal variability of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These symptoms were also poorly related to diagnosis. Phobic symptoms, however, were relatively consistent over time. The findings suggest that classifications of neurotic disorder based on presenting anxiety and depressive symptoms are unsatisfactory and that many patients could be classified as a single mixed disorder.