This paper aims at deriving the framework of a workable and meaningful nosological system for childhood psychic disorders. Psychogenesis is presented in terms of the timing of traumatic experience and the resulting fixation points in relation to the development of object relationship, the phases of early ego development, and the stages of psychosexual development. The attainment of object constancy is seen to be a critical factor in determining whether traumatic experience will eventuate in a neurotic or psychotic type of disorder.

The concepts of neurotic and of psychotic character disorders are discussed and illustrated, and it is suggested that these disorders