Hyperthyroidism may be precipitated by the emotional stress accompanying a disruption or threat of disruption of the dominant interpersonal relationship on which the security of the patient depends. It produces its pathogenic effect in persons who are vulnerable through a specific personality constellation. These individuals are dependent for their security on the affection and protection of others which they endeavor to secure by lavishing attention and care on them. Unless they can give of themselves they feel unwanted and rejected. This pattern originates in a particular relationship to the mother whose affection is wooed through intense and persistent devotion and a denial of all rebellious feelings. Later such an attitude may be transferred to a mate or children, with resultant jealous possessiveness and apprehensive oversolicitude for which they expect in return unswerving fidelity. Thus vulnerable, these patients are constantly suffering disappointment. Such a pattern is found even