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DISCUSSION: Dr. Bernard Fine felt that the inclusion of preoedipal factors should not exclude the phallic Oedipal phase as a source of unconscious fantasies in the etiology of conversions. He questioned whether the final somatic symptom was necessarily a distorted instinctual derivative; it may be taken over for the fantasy needs of the individual and serve as the base for additional fantasy or symptom formation. Finally, Dr. Fine explored the cause of the disappearance of chronic symptoms, behavior, or attitudes during the early months of analysis. He felt that it might be related to suddenly experiencing a dependency status and magical expectations from the analyst.
Dr. C. Philip Wilson presented clinical case material which illustrated the point that patients who use conversion mechanisms demonstrate pseudoheterosexuality and that technical problems arise because of the pseudooedipal content of their dreams, fantasies, and associations. Dr. Wilson noted the rare occurrence of conversion symptoms during analysis which he feels is the result of analysts interpreting the defenses against expression of aggressive drive derivatives.