ABSTRACT
Many patients become restless when the end of the analytic session is approaching; they interrupt their associations with the question ‘Is it not four o’clock yet?’ or with the statement ‘I believe the hour is already up’, etc. The analysis of this behaviour shows that these patients have been unpleasantly disturbed on previous occasions by my sudden uncompromising intimation that the session was at an end. The patient settled himself cosily with the doctor as though he could always remain thus confiding and secure with his spiritual guide. Being suddenly shaken up out of this dream affects him strongly and may even involve certain transient symptoms, causing, for instance, hysterical giddiness. 1 The restless questions towards the end of the hour of analysis are a kind of defence formation against the unpleasant sensation experienced on these occasions.
