Although the basic feature of paresis is an organic damage of the brain, a part of the mental symptoms are due to what Ferenczi called 'cerebral pathoneurosis'. The metaluetic infection has a traumatic effect on the individual, disturbing his mental equilibrium. Besides, the ego as a realitytesting organ has become weakened by the organic brain disease. A regression to an infantile level can be observed. Megalomania represents deeply buried infantile ideas of power. An exaggerated interest in money, for instance, is not only an outcome of regression to the anal level, but also increases the sense of power as a compensation for sexual weakness. There is a regression of both the ego functions and the libidinal activities to the pure pleasure-principle of early infancy. The ego may retreat into a (distorted) wish-fulfilling substitute world, withdrawing from objective reality. This is described in clinical psychiatry as 'lack of insight'.