ABSTRACT

The science of psychiatry has always been subject to a certain amount of moral intimidation. On the one hand it is subject to constant pressure from the physical sciences. Psycho-analysts have never concealed the view that they have much to learn from psychiatry. The fact is that normality is characterized by a certain quality of resistance to disintegration which makes it practically impossible for psychologists to learn anything about it save its descriptive features. The psychic representation of internal parasitic disturbance cannot be neglected. A diagnosis of psychosis is inadequate unless at the same time the mental reactions prevailing at all important periods in the patient's life are established. These are not only essential for diagnosis, but often invaluable in prognosis. One other consideration may be brought forward. It is fair to say that throughout its development psychiatry has been hampered to some extent by the numerous restrictions of a social, legal, and administrative kind imposed upon professional work.