Profound Disturbances in the Nutritional and Excretory Habits of a Four—And—One—Half—Year—Old—Boy: Their Analytic Treatment in a School Setting

Rudi S. entered the kindergarten at the age of four years and nine months. He was a pale, delicate child with a shy, troubled expression, and downcast eyes. His trunk was bent almost at right angles to his legs, and when he walked or ran he moved his legs only from the knees down, pressing his knees and thighs tightly together. He behaved in a completely passive manner.

His apparent apathy proved to be the expression of powerful inhibitions, which prevented him from playing or working and which made him appear extremely timid. He had given up contact with the outside world and had withdrawn into himself to such an extent that he was incapable of independent action. He did not respond to requests or commands. He expressed no wishes, and he practically never spoke. The only indication of an active attitude toward his surroundings appeared in the great muscular resistance which was evident in his walking and running and in his every movement. It was difficult to induce him to eat. He soiled and wet himself daily. Later it became clear that these difficulties also came from inhibitions.

On the first day, while he was still with his mother, his conduct was characteristic. In spite of repeated efforts to induce him to leave her lap, he refused to do so and looked away when he felt that he was being observed. If a ball was