The shift into adolescence coincides with an increase in academic demands that reveals a large diagnostic range of difficulties underlying academic underachievement or failure at this developmental stage. A group of compliant boys of high intelligence and proved abilities, previously apparently well-adjusted and well-liked, unexpectedly come to attention because of sudden academic failure. Their puzzling difficulties indicate a serious underlying disorder, including depression, which requires intensive treatment. Intrasystemic superego conflicts of ideals form an intrinsic part of the psychic picture.