Among the various psychosomatic disorders which thus far have been investigated psycho-analytically, regional ileitis does not seem to be represented. At least I could find no reports on it in the psycho-analytic literature (12). My patient was a chronic case of regional ileitis of long standing with a history of frequent acute exacerbations and of unsuccessful surgical intervention (transverse ileonostomy) 13 years prior to the start of analysis.

The psychologist, on the basis of the psychological records, advised against psycho-analysis and suggested some form of supportive psychotherapy. The patient himself was reluctant and very sceptical about the value of psycho-analysis in his case. The situation did not seem very promising.