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This paper is an attempt to solve the problem of the choice of neurosis. To differentiate clearly between the two clinical pictures, in cases of certain phobic states, tics, etc., proves to be rather difficult.
Obsessional phenomena are characterized by certain rules. These may be summarized by saying that obsessions demand full unity of the ego and utmost concentration. The obsessional neurotic ego of abnormal strength is faced with a superego of still greater strength.
In contrast to this the ego of the hysteric is abnormally weak. It reacts to physical fear with methods which are characteristic for a helpless ego which capitulates in a passive way. Dangerous impulses are repressed together with the ego reactions to danger. In this way the ego is split and impoverished. The hysteric is unstable, ununited, unreliable. Identifications of very short duration take place whenever he meets new objects. He is incapable of lasting object relationships.
Following a remark of Freud wherein he sees the essence of the disposition to obsessional neurosis in premature ego development, Federn regards as the particular premature development of the ego, the early separation of the psychic and physical ego and the overcharged ego boundaries as a distinguishing factor between compulsion neurosis and hysteria. He traces these differences to an early stage of development. The 'normal neurosis of children' is hysteria. The child seeks defense against danger by flight to the mother and overcomes its physical fear by union with her. This primitive physical enlargement of