Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to go beyond classification to a study of dynamics; to pass from nosology to aetiology, from description to causation. In looking for explanatory concepts and mechanisms to account for the observed phenomena of hysteria and anxiety, it was inevitable that recourse was hard to the principles of modern learning theory. Theories to account for these phenomena have usually centred upon the contribution of S. Freud and the work of other psychoanalysts. Conversely, details about clinical syndromes, psychiatric theories, and the dimensional analysis of personality, while familiar to psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, may require at least brief recapitulation for experimental psychologists. D. Trouton, combining the training of psychiatrist and psychologist, has been of considerable help in connection with our drug experiments.