The AVER (averaged visual evoked responses) and the DP (a pattern of dispersion resulting from the variability of each time point locked to the stimulus onset: D = f [t]) were studied in neurotics in comparison with controls. In neurotics without depression and/or anxiety the AVERs were normal and the DPs showed a shortening of the second period; in neurotics with depression and/or anxiety the AVERs were also normal but the second period of the DPs disappeared.