Winnik describes some of the symptoms of the 'depersonalization neurosis' (estrangement, helplessness and anxiety, disturbed 'experience of time', despair, lack of ego integration) and analyzes them as primary disturbances of the ego. 'A primitive stage of development of the ego is reflected in the disease.' Without entering into the argument as to whether this is a separate disease, Winnik states that it is a borderline condition between neurosis and psychosis, and shows its dynamic relationship to other mental illnesses.