[Comparative study on the occupational levels of unipolar and bipolar probands and relatives].

One hundred thirty patients fulfilling DSM III-R criteria for bipolar disorder (n = 82) and major depression (n = 49) were included in a comparative study on the occupational levels of unipolar and bipolar probands and relatives. The occupational levels did not significantly differ between unipolar and bipolar probands. A comparison between the whole groups including probands and all their relatives revealed a social advantage both for male and female members of bipolar families. An overrepresentation was found in the higher occupational class in bipolar probands' brothers and children.