ABSTRACT
Anumber of different phenomena were originally included under the name ‘Tic’, as, for instance, tic douloureux (trigeminal neuralgia), facial spasms, and many compulsive symptoms, as well as the symptoms still designated as tics to-day. Nowadays it is only the separation of tics from compulsive actions which raises difficulties from the point of view of differential diagnosis. Neither Meige, Feindel, nor Ferenczi solve this difficulty. The characteristics of a tic as given by the first two authors apply equally well to compulsive actions. The incapability of mastering a stimulus, which Ferenczi describes, is very well observed, but this likewise occurs in the obsessional neurotic. Again, narcissistic phenomena on which Ferenczi lays particular stress can be seen in all hysterical and obsessional patients. Regression to narcissism, however, certainly never goes so far in the person suffering from a tic as in the psychotic patient. Ferenczi is quite right in calling attention to the similarities between tics and catatonia, but he overlooks the much more fundamental differences between the two conditions. There can be no question of a tic ending in dementia. On the other hand, the assumption of an increased organ libido and the conception of a ‘pathoneurotic tic’ seem to be very useful.
