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The Isakower phenomenon (2) has recently become the starting point for further theoretical inquiries, supported by clinical evidence of a different nature. The Isakower phenomenon describes a kind of regression which to some extent reproduces that state of undifferentiated—or rather slightly differentiated—psychic apparatus, which is now subject to such intense research. In fact it reproduces that state of mind under almost experimental conditions, thus permitting the repetition of the situation and the comparison of its dynamics.
The fact, however, that the Isakower phenomenon has been related to such different concepts as Bertram Lewin's "dream screen" (3) or René Spitz's "primal cavity" (5) indicates that this phenomenon is probably not homogeneous but consists of two or even more components. This is also borne out by the great variety of sensations which Isakower himself described. It is characterized as a remarkable mixture of various sensory perceptions, tactile (concerning the mouth and the skin), kinesthetic, vestibular, acoustic, and visual. Furthermore, these perceptions are very vague, amorphous, and, last but not least, they arise in or are centered in the region of the mouth: strange, pleasurable, and at the same time unpleasurable, feelings of something wrinkled, sharp-edged, gritty that fill the whole of the bucal cavity but that cannot be spit out, etc.
Some time ago I had a patient under my care who experienced a phenomenon which comes very near to that described by Isakower, though it can be well distinguished from it in various respects. I believe it can be regarded as a separate phenomenon which might of course be contained in what Isakower has described.