Psychotherapeutic interviews are used to study angor animi. Four case histories illustrate the discussion and conclusions. There is nothing specific about the anxiety associated with angina pectoris. The defenses mobilized against the serious danger of angina pectoris are the same as those employed against any

other danger. Fear of death is not the exclusive content of the anxiety experienced. Fear of loss of love, of being abandoned, and of aggressive and homosexual impulses were also observed. The content of the anxiety is determined by the effect of angina pectoris on the significant antecedent emotional conflicts in the individual. The mechanism by which emotional excitement may precipitate attacks of angina pectoris is not known. The observations made do not support the hypothesis that prolonged anxiety is a cause of coronary sclerosis or angina pectoris. The term angor animi is inappropriate. Its discontinuance is recommended.