During the period 1948-61, some 250 patients admitted to 2 English hospitals had exhibited stupor while under observation of medical staff. 100 of the patients were arbitrarily selected for study. This article discusses the demographic characteristics of the sample, including the severity, duration & means of termination of stupor. 4 patients, 3 with depressive illnesses & 1 diagnosed with schizophrenia, committed suicide. An appendix provides case reports for 8 of the study subjects. (20 refs.)