title: The eroding concept of intrapsychic conflict.
abstract: With the increased interest in borderline and psychotic patients, concepts are being introduced which erode the concept of intrapsychic conflict between the ego and the other macrostructures. In particular, the drive derivative as source of danger is being lost sight of as expressions such as fear of the loss of ego boundaries and struggles against identification are introduced. Some authors who use these expressions, judging from their clinical material, do uncover their patients' fantasies and the drive derivatives and defenses they reflect. Nonetheless, they contribute to the problem by introducing inaccurate new terms. Other authors, having embraced recent innovations in theory, seem to disregard intrapsychic conflict.
mesh_terms: D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D004532:Ego; D005201:Fantasy; D006801:Humans; D011606:Psychosexual Development