The author compared the mental health of 42 young adults who had
suffered from a neurosis in childhood with that of 20 control subjects.
Various aspects of functioning were clinically assessed using the Current
and Past Psychopathology Scales and the Health-Sickness Rating Scale. More
than 75% of the former patients were at least mildly ill at follow-up,
compared with only 15% of the control group. Intergroup differences in
diagnoses and symptoms are described. The findings establish the fact that
neurotic children require much more effective treatment than they have
traditionally received in order to attain a good prognosis for adult mental
health.Abstract Teaser