ABSTRACT
The group of pathological 'pilferers', for example, can be broken down under examination into a number of clinical types – neurotic, psychopathic, psychotic, mentally deficient and the like; but in recommending treatment or disposal the legal codes governing sentences for theft must of necessity influence the recommendation. In the case of psychopathy, attempts to clarify the situation have followed two directions; in the first place, the inclusion in the psychopathic group of certain clinical syndromes, e.g. schizoid, cycloid, and inferiority reactions; and, in the second, classifying psychopathic reactions in terms of ego-psychology. Psychiatry must carry this social classification further; indeed, except in the case of psychopathy and certain 'behaviour crises', has already done so with advantage. This psychic apparatus can be studied by three approaches: structural, dynamic and economic. Psycho-neuroses are often superimposed on anxiety neuroses, psychoses on hypochondrias, and it seems likely that many of the conflict or symptomatic delinquencies are superimposed on functional delinquencies.
