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The child presented in the Diagnostic Profile that follows has suffered from a seizure disorder for at least six years. This Profile is not intended as a differential assessment of an organic as contrasted with a hysterical dysfunction. The child continues under independent neurological supervision during his ongoing psychotherapeutic treatment.
The purposes of this paper would not be served if it were considered as an extension of the discussion of organic versus psychogenic etiology of epileptic or seizure disorders. However, at the present stage of the child's treatment (and continuing diagnostic assessment), it is essential to consider the nature of the convulsive disorder as it affected the boy's defense organization, ego capacities, and neurotic solutions to conflict. It is hoped that the treatment will clarify whether, or to what degree, neurosis has made use of a convulsive potential. If hysterical features were to emerge during treatment, if psychotherapy were to disclose a hysterical etiology (which might accompany an organic predisposition), such questions might eventually be examined in the light of analytic documentation.
Clinical experience has consistently underscored the desirability of psychotherapeutic help for many of the patients suffering from emotionally enhanced seizure disorders. In the present case, the