ABSTRACT
METZNER (1963) has made an attempt to establish experimental analogues of obsessional and compulsive behaviour. For purposes of the present exposition, we will use his terms of reference in considering these conditions. He argues that there are three distinctive kinds of behaviour which typify obsessional-compulsive neuroses. These three kinds of behaviour, which may appear alone or in combination, are as follows. The first kind of behaviour is ‘the occurrence of prolonged spells of brooding, doubting and speculation…’ The second type of behaviour is the occurrence of ‘very strong temptations or impulses to do things, such as kill, confess, attack, or steal certain objects which are viewed with the utmost horror, disgust, shame, or anxiety by the patient experiencing them.’ In the case of those impulses which are acted upon, we may describe the behaviour as compulsive, but where the impulses are not translated into action they are described as obsessional thoughts. The third distinctive type of obsessional behaviour is ‘the elaborate and sometimes incredibly time-consuming rituals and ceremonial actions surrounding everyday activities, such as eating, going to the toilet, dressing and undressing, and sexual performance.’
