Psychosis and depression arising in the midlife period. A comparison.

Two groups of hospitalized psychotic patients were compared to a hospitalized nonpsychotic group composed mainly of major unipolar depressives. In the main, demographic and historical dimensions did not differ. Interpersonal and social role development favored the nonpsychotic group, but only employment history and maternal function reached significance. All groups were judged to be under substantial stress in association with the index hospitalization. Loss of a supportive relationship was the most frequent stress category for all groups but was relatively more frequent in the nonpsychotic (depressive) group. Medical stress was significantly higher in the psychotic groups.