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After the publication of his book on frigidity (with E. Hitschmann, 1936) Bergler has now written a new book about the clinical picture, psychoanalytic theory and treatment of impotence. A general part about the development of masculine sexuality and the definition, symptomatology and degree of impotence is followed by a detailed description of the different forms of impotence which are systematically described according to psychoanalytic conception of their psychogenetic structure.
Impotence with phallic mechanisms is represented in the hysterical neuroses and may occur in many different forms: complete sexual abstinence with masturbatory equivalents; nocturnal emissions; erective impotence and the impotence of the passive feminine unconsciously homosexual man. To this same group of hysterical impotence with phallic mechanisms belong different forms of 'orgastic impotence' (meaning a physically normal act but without normal satisfaction). The well known symptoms resulting from separation of tender and strictly sexual components often resulting in unreliable potency belongs in the group of hysterical disturbances. The clinical picture of impotence is complicated by numerous specific hysterical mechanisms apparent in different syndromes: for instance fear before marriage; fear of defloration or of impregnation; compulsive faithfulness; impotence at the beginning of every new sexual relation. Some forms of partial impotence may be overcome by certain rites or conditions: the love object must be an elderly woman, must allow or forbid sexuality with certain words and so on.
Impotence with anal mechanisms includes the impotence of the compulsive neurotic, of the chronic hypochondriac and of