This study explored the significance of hypochondriacal complaints in elderly depressives. 60% of patients had such symptoms on admission. 12% were delusional. At discharge, hypochondriasis was present in 40% of the sample, with 0% delusional. Hypochonriasis was associated with anxiety & somatic concerns, but not with complaints of depressed mood, suicidality, or short-term outcome. Nonpsychotropic medication use correlated with hypochondriasis. (CM)