ABSTRACT
This chapter is an expression of gratitude to Dr. Wilfred R. Bion who supervised the first psychotic patient treated by eighteen years ago. His support and understanding helped to complete a successful analysis of that case. This encouraged to continue the psychoanalytic treatment of psychosis in ten further cases, eight of which continued analysis unto completion. The chapter has arisen from author's experience with two different clinical problems: First, the acute psychotic breakdown arising spontaneously or in the course of psychoanalysis. Second, the treatment of claustrophobia. The upright stance and the development of speech, along with the presence of the super-ego is one of the attributes of man that has raised him above the animal kingdom. This structure is responsible for his conscience, his morals, his ethics, his religion, and his esthetics. Author's observations with asthmatic patients suggest that the bronchi and chest walls can be used as repositories for the suffocating super-ego in some patients.
