In normal development the initial diffuse discharge of aggression is soon modified by fusion with libido and by the development of libidinal ties. As the thought processes develop, aggression is handled by magical thinking and fantasying, by diffuse feelings of omnipotence and rage. In the oedipal phase these feelings are organized into feelings of love and hate. More and more, feeling and thinking as trial action take the place of direct discharge. Verbal aggression largely replaces blows and kicks. Purposeful action replaces impulsive discharge. In neurosis, aggression remains partly in its original form.

In neurotic symptom formation the compromise between the wish to kill and the reaction against this wish is separated from the rest of the personality. In severe character disorders the ego is more or less overwhelmed by the primitive aggression, and in suicide the patient is completely destroyed by the turning of aggression against the self.