Complaints of patients presenting for psychotherapy in 1938 versus 1978.

Reported complaints of psychotherapy out-patients in 1938 are compared with those of patients in 1978. Both men and women complain less of bodily malfunctioning and more of anger, guilt, suicidal thoughts, and of sexual difficulties. Unlike men, women show a significant increase in interpersonal problems, sleep difficulties, depression and feelings of inadequacy or inferiority.