1The state of depersonalization not only represents a regressive, defensive device, but, more specifically, a return, for longer or shorter intervals, to a primitive, oral, undifferentiated state in which one of the overpowering motives is to withdraw cathexis from external stimuli, to relax, and fall asleep.

2In the material presented, this particular symptom is especially pronounced in persons with deep oral fixations and seems closely linked to Lewin's oral triad. Further study is required to ascertain whether the deep oral fixation is a universal feature in cases of depersonalization.