Epidemiology of neurotic disorders among Alexandria University students

ABSTRACT

All neurotic patients who attended the Alexandria University Students Hospital during the scholastic year [1978-79] were considered as the index sample. The control group was obtained by random sample from the students attending E.N.T. and Ophthalmic clinic. The present study indicated that neurotic traits during childhood were more stated by index cases than control [X[2][1]=125.49]. They were more likely to suffer from nocturnal enuresis, stummering and nail biting than their control. The latter were more likely to be either hyperactive or very calm [X[2][5]=63.1907]. They were less likely to have friends [Z=6.3929] and if they had, they were fewer in number compared to their control [t=6.80]. Moreover, they tended more to have no hobbies [X[2][1]=13.0660]. These who had hobbies, preferred reading while control were more likely to be involved in sports [X[2][3]=22.3118]. Neurotics were more likely to have a total score suggesting a premorbid character in the six items than their control [X[2][5]=26.8488]. Their score significantly differed from control in worriners [t=7.7966], suspiciousness [t=2.16], mood swing [t=7.46] and sensitivity [t=9.25]