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Psycho-analysts have so far failed to be objective in assessing the therapeutic results of psycho-analysis, which are probably no better than those of other psychotherapies. There has been inadequate recognition of the fact that the validity of psycho-analytic theory has never depended upon therapeutic results. There follows a brief and lucid account of the principles underlying psycho-analytic therapy and the developmental approach of psycho-analysis to mental illness. Two factors, (a) degree of ego disorder and (b) transference potential, are of value in estimating prognosis in the psycho-neuroses and psychoses.
Illnesses characterized by symptom formation being predominantly related to one developmental phase more easily allow of precise prognosis. This is more difficult with the character abnormalities and the psychosexual disorders. Alcoholism is used to illustrate a solution to the problem. Four groups are described, each group being related in order to anxiety, obsessive, depressive, and persecutory states. Prognosis will depend, be it psychosexual or character abnormality, on the associated pathological defence.
Cases may be subdivided into three groups: (a)