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The two case histories presented below are, in our opinion, of general interest, if only on the basis of the patients' age group (four-and-a half and six years respectively). Both girls suffered from severe schizophrenia.
In the beginning we hesitated to pronounce a diagnosis which, at this age, is equivalent to a mental death sentence. Particular doubts pertained to the case of Varda H., who in the course of treatment showed repeated, if somewhat feeble signs of a favorable reaction. Moreover, even with regard to grown-ups, it is often very difficult to differentiate between psychoneurosis and schizophrenia.†
In both cases Dr. Lizzi Rosenberger undertook a thorough psychoanalytical investigation coupled with an attempt at careful, therapeutic treatment—unfortunately without great success. This lack of success was not unexpected in view of the gravity of the illness. In the case of Ziporah S., original observation lasted for only one month and for another two month period two years later; in the case of Varda H., observation continued for about one year (from February 1950 to March 1951). We postponed publication of these data in order to obtain confirmation of our diagnosis based on the patients' later development.