A major process of somatization in puberty and adulthood appears when the libidinal structures are progressively disorganized. Progressive disorganization selectively strikes people pertaining to the group of character and behavioural neuroses, i.e., loosely systematized neuroses with polymorphic and irregular manifestations.

A slight trauma, acting as a narcissistic wound, incites the subject to give up certain emotional interests. What follows is the progressive chain destruction of the various cathected sectors and of the existing libidinal organizations. An "essential" depression ensues, introducing serious psychosomatic disturbances which prolong the general disorganization on the somatic level. Such clinical phenomena are one of the clearest manifestations of the death instinct.