[Extreme psychogenic shock states in childhood]

An attempt is made in this paper to describe a syndrome consequent upon extreme psychogenic shock situations, which has been observed in a number of children. This syndrome is characterized by panic, flight, and anxiety during the actual event, which are followed by a relatively prolonged period of exclusion from consciousness of painful memories. Besides, there may be observed neurotic symptoms manifesting themselves in a decrease in proficiency level, refusal to establish contacts with other people, and mental digestion of the events. Assimilation of the events by intensive psychotherapy seems to be possible within about six months. Also discussed in this paper is the problem of actual neurosis and the origin of preconscious repression.