The present study attempts to assess, evaluate & compare the effect of parental loss by death in patients suffering from 4 major psychiatric conditions; schizophrenia, depression, attempted suicide & hysteria. The study was conducted in India over an observation period of one year. Total parental loss was found to be significantly high in depression & attempted suicide. Loss of the father was found to be higher & more significant than loss of the mother in all four conditions. 34 REF. (CM)