In certain cyclothymic states the manic phase is the basic regressive core and does not represent an improved ego state. It is characterized by the internalization of and identification with the pregenital omnipotent 'overgood' mother. Such self and object representations, incompatible with reality testing and the external world, are fostered by the manic's capacity for denial. The depressive phase in cyclothymia represents the failure of the defense of denial. The manic phase is mourned and idealized. The conscious wish to get well represents the unconscious wish to be elated. From this point of view the depressive phase