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A Study about the Depth of Ego Regression in Mania. Arnaldo and Mathilde Rascovsky. Pp. 25-65.
Addiction as a Manic Defense. Jaime Tomas. Pp. 67-76.
Omnipotence and Mania. Mario Martins. Pp. 77-104.
Present Concepts about Mania. Maria P. Manhaes; E. Portella Nunes; and Adolfo Hoirisch. Pp. 105-124.
Additional Comments about 'Present Concepts'. Rodolfo Agorio; Mercedes F. de Garbarino; Hector Garbarino; Marta Lacava; Vida M. de Prego; Luis E. de Prego. Pp. 125-138.
Garma does not agree with the formulation that mania is primarily the result of a 'bribe to the superego' and therefore the liberator of the ego elements. Although this factor may be involved, there is also present the self-deception of the ego with the masochistic undertone of surrendering to the punishing and severe superego. This concept is more in agreement with the suicidal intent frequently apparent in hypomania. With the masochistic surrender, there is a devaluation of the love object and a predominance of the 'bad object'. The phenomenon is possible because of the feelings of omnipotence and denial which have as a counterpart socially accepted religious euphoria, which Garma attributes to the surrender of the ego and 'so-called identification' with Father God. The personality does not recognize the surrendering to sadistic superego images, the need to gratify masochistic wishes, or the prevalence of the death wish.