Regression is not only a defense mechanism. It can be thought of as a basic drive present all the time in various degrees. It involves different parts of psychological functioning. During treatment, the roots of the original fixation toward which the patient tends to regress will be uncovered gradually. In analysis, new and deeper regressive tendencies may occur and analytic intervention involves questions of timing and dosage. It is important to evaluate the strength of the unsettled conflicts in the patient's neurosis as well as the degree of early fixations and pregenital conflicts. The best way to study regression is in dreams. Dreams can demonstrate to the patient his tendency to regress in order to avoid the present. For patients with strong regressive tendencies, guidance and exploitation of the transference have to be employed at times in order to strengthen the mobilized drives for adult adjustment.