Obsessional stat es. A study in the relationship between abnormalities occurring at the time of birth and the subsequent development of obsessional symptoms.

The purpose of this study was to examine the theory that there is a positive relationship between the occurrence of abnormalities at the time of birth and the subsequent development of obsessional states. While an abnormal birth may result in minimal brain damage this is not necessarily the significant factor, as a separation of mother and baby in the immediate neonatal period, Which usually follows an abnormal birth, may be of more relevance. Observations are made on certain phenomenological aspects on obsessions in patients who give a history of abnormal birth as compared with those patients who have obsessional states and give a normal birth history. In the discussion comments are made upon the separation anxiety theory as being an important aetiological factor in the obsessional neurotic state.