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Gordon classifies neurotic tremors according to their emotional accompaniment. When this anxiety is slight or lacking he finds a condition of simultaneous hypertonus of antagonistic muscles which often follows the result of a wound or other fear of movement in the limb. The removal of the tremor by relaxation cures the condition. The other group includes those cases accompanied by definite anxiety. This affective reaction is discussed from the physiological standpoint, particularly the 'thalamic' views of Bianchi and Head.
Having discussed the physiology of tremor in relation to organic nervous disease and toxic conditions, it is noted that in all these cases there is a diminution of cortical control over basal ganglion activity. Successful adaptation to environment and particular aspects of personality depends on the establishment of cortical function at its highest level, the development of neurotic symptoms corresponding to an interference with this function. The factors responsible for these symptoms are a constitutional lack of psychological synthesis and temperamental influences in relation to ductless gland secretion which are predisposing factors in the conflict between pleasure and reality producing anxiety. Regression of sexual conflict to a narcissistic level means that the thwarting of sex feeling becomes a threat to the individual. The author suggests that irregularity in the suprarenal secretion is responsible for the inhibition of cortical control with the development of the thalamic striate short circuit. The Freudian conflict may be dependent on this excessive secretion.