Psychosomatic Medicine 3:66-71 (1941)
© 1941 American Psychosomatic Society

Some Observations on the Relations of Emotions and Allergy

¹ Institute for Psychoanalysis Chicago

On the basis of studies now available on the rôle of emotions in allergic symptoms, the working hypothesis is presented that states of repressed, intense frustrated longing are of central importance. This was found in studies of certain cases of common cold, asthma, hay fever, and urticaria. The choice of sites for the symptoms seems to be determined by more specific factors. But whatever the factors in the choice of site for the symptom, the repressed longing, basically for the mother, frustrated or threatened with frustration, plays a central rôle. The longing is only one factor in the production of the symptoms. It operates in some cases independently of, and in other cases together with specific allergic sensitivities. It is related to allergic sensitivity perhaps through increasing this sensitivity in the individual. It also operates apart from allergens by producing similar symptoms. It is a biological factor which apparently influences and complements allergic sensitivity at least in certain cases.

Note:
Expanded from the discussion of Dr. George Wilson's paper, "A Study of Structural and Instinctual Conflicts in Cases of Hay Fever," read before the Chicago Psychoanalytic Society, October 4, 1940.