The naturalistic course of patients with endogenous subtype of depression is described. The subtype may predict shorter times to remission, & reduced relapse risk. In the longer term, the subtype predicts increased risk of readmission, though studies on recurrence are equivocal. A review of 6 studies showed that neither the endogenous nor the neurotic subtypes predicted significantly increased suicide risk. Further prospective studies are called for. (56 refs.)