Ten depressed patients were assessed on an auditory signal detection task; testing was repeated on remission. The patients' clinical state was monitored by means of the Hamilton rating scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. The task was performed under three conditions: 2 button (Yes/No); 1 button (Yes); 1 button (No). The findings indicated lower motor responsiveness during depression, consistent with Seligman's learned helplessness model. The measure of auditory sensitivity was also lowered during depression, possibly attributable to attentional disturbance. It is suggested that the lowered initiation of voluntary responses may be an important factor in the assessment of cognitive functioning during depression; such deficits may be reduced if the task does not permit the omission of a response.

From the Camberwell Register it was found that 9–14% of all admissions in the years 1965–70 were readmissions within a month of discharge. The characteristics of these patients were compared with the total population admitted. No particular diagnostic category was associated with rapid readmissions but the rapidly readmitted group contained a high proportion of young patients and divorced or separated patients.

The case notes of rapidly readmitted patients were examined and compared with the case notes of a control group. The circumstance which predisposed patients to require rapid readmission was the degree of socially disruptive behaviour of the patient.

Patients benefited from readmission and the reasons for this are discussed.

Sixteen manic patients were rated fortnightly on the Present State Examination and a new manic rating scale. After 4 weeks of treatment a high proportion of symptoms had decreased significantly, but some symptoms likely to affect social functioning persisted. The group displayed many depressive and anxiety symptoms in addition to recognized manic symptoms.