A case of priapism is traced to a psychogenic origin. Priapism is defined as 'persistent, prolonged erection, painful as a rule, unaccompanied by sexual desire and not relieved by sexual intercourse.'

The patient, a negro, aged twenty-two, suffered from an attack of priapism of sixteen hours duration. Examination failed to reveal a physical cause. After thirty-six days the priapism gradually disappeared under continuous bath therapy.

The psychosexual history of the patient, excitement and suppression of ejaculation, because of the incestuous character of the object (sister), is said to point to a psychic cause for the priapism. In masturbation and later in coitus the patient continued erections as long as possible and practically never ejaculated intravaginally.

The literature on priapism is reviewed; and the paucity of psychogenic studies stressed.