Clinical observations are presented indicating connections between oral tendencies (expressed in symptoms, transference, dreams, etc.) and the symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Szasz believes that physiologic mechanisms (vagal excitation or inhibition) are involved and that the symptoms did not express 'any primary psychological meaning, but are interpreted as manifestations of a vegetative (organ) neurosis, i.e., as the remote physiological sequelæ of oral tensions'.

While the author's theoretical conclusions concerning the absence of any primary psychological significance to these symptoms might be open to debate, the evidence presented indicating the existence of psychological connections between oral material and the symptoms of constipation and diarrhea is clear-cut and impressive.