This paper is based on observations on one hundred patients hospitalized for clinical symptoms diagnosed as anxiety states, hysterias, obsessional tension states, and manic-depressive responses. All were believed to be precipitated by an object loss (usually in connection with the recent war) and thus to represent various types of (pathological) mourning. In Anderson's experience such patients do badly when treated by the cathartic methods widely recommended for war neuroses. If so treated, frank psychotic reactions may ensue, or at least a worsening of the existing symptoms. Illustrative case reports are given.