The annual incidence of depression in all new psychiatric cases ranges from 17-20%. The peak incidence was observed in the age group of 26-45 years, without any particular affinity to either sex. 83.8% were married. Somatic symptoms were predominant complaint in 61.3% of patients. 76.3% of the depressives harboured guilt feelings, and 73.8% had suicidal ideas. Cases analyzed were from the Dept. of Psychiatry, Govt. General Hospital, Madras, India during the period 1979-80.(GW)