The main developmental function of adolescence is defined as the establishment of a final sexual organization. Psychopathology of this period inevitably reflects some central abnormality of sexual development and function. Most vulnerable is the integration of bodily maturation and evolving self-representation. Conflicts of this type tend to be cumulative and should—according to the author—be viewed in a context specific to adolescence, i.e., not misconstrued by the perspectives of adult organization. Most dangerous is the adolescent's regressive surrender to proedipal, dependent asexuality. Some technical considerations of "laissez-faire" versus "role-playing" strategies of the analyst are discussed.