130 depressed inpatients were rated on DSM-III axis IV on the basis of information collected from a life events interview. Scores were more highly correlated with undesirable than desirable events, with exits than entrances, & with time-limited than chronic events. Higher scores were associated with a lower rate of abnormal dexamethasone suppression test results, a higher morbid risk for alcoholism, a greater frequency of personality disorders & a greater likelihood of attempted suicide.