V. INVESTIGATION OF SOCIAL FACTORS

Abstract

Summary1. This investigation, like previous studies, shows that manic‐depressive patients, in their early environment, schooling and further education, have a tendency to belong to the higher social class groups in comparison with the general population. The patients are also similar in this respect to those in a control sample of manic‐depressive patients collected at the same time from Beckomberga hospital, a mental hospital serving the same population area as the clinic.2. At the start of the study, the patients employment situation and general social situation were found to be somewhat unfavourable, probably due to the underlying disease.3. At the end of the study a larger number of patients showed more satisfactory working capacities than at the start. Their general social adaptation was also better. According to the author, this may be associated with the lithium treatment given during the investigation. Without this treatment, rather more serious social deterioration could have been expected.4. The distribution of civil state and frequency of marriage is largely in agreement with the situation in the general population. On closer scrutiny, divorce occurred in connection with the patient's illness in several cases. Examples of marital reconciliation can also be found, where the illness improved during lithium treatment. The number of children seems to be somewhat lower, and the number of childless marriages higher, than in the general Swedish population. The sample is small, however, and social and regional factors may play a part.5. With regard to criminality, the patients had fewer convictions than expected in comparison with the general population. Despite this, prosecution in several cases took place during an episode of illness.