Obsessive-compulsive disorder and primary unipolar depression. Comparisons of background, family history, course, and mortality

Abstract

Research criteria were applied to 110 charts with a principle discharge diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive illness. The family history, course, and mortality experience of the resulting 44 patients clearly distinguished them from carefully matched inpatients with primary unipolar depression. Among selected background variables, only IQ distinguished the groups. A 40-year mortality follow-up supported earlier conclusions that obsessive-compulsive disorder patients are at low risk for suicide.