Skin Changes in Relation to Emotional Disorder

In this paper, Winnicott emphasises the importance of the study of the skin in relation to emotional disorder. Winnicott hopes to show that not only the physiology but also the psychology of the living person must be studied if one is to understand the behaviour of the skin in given circumstances. He indicates some reasons why the psychology of the owner of the skin tends to be neglected and makes tentative suggestions as to the classification of skin changes related to feelings.

Review: Child Psychiatry

Winnicott’s review of Leo Kanner’s book Child Psychiatry. In spite of the unrivalled scale of the work, Winnicott regrets that it is entirely without originality to the psychologist and is quite out of touch with the psychology of the unconscious and with psycho-analysis and the results of child analysis as practiced and published in England. Instead, the book focuses on ‘the continuing bad external factor’, as Winnicott believes characterizes the publications of all child guidance clinics of the American pattern.

Appetite and Emotional Disorder

This paper brings together Winnicott’s reflections on appetite and greed. He sets forward the idea that greed is never met with in the human being, even in an infant, in undisguised form, and that greediness, when it appears as a symptom, is always a secondary phenomenon implying anxiety.

Contribution to a Discussion on Enuresis

In this contribution, Winnicott presents the difficulties and the merits of a psychoanalytic approach to enuresis.

Abstract: Psychoanalysis and Medicine

Winnicott’s abstract of Alexander’s book Psychoanalysis and Medicine.

Convulsions, Fits

Chapter 17 of Clinical Notes on Disorders of Childhood. In this chapter, Winnicott discusses the common occurrences of convulsions and fits in infants, using case histories to consider those with organic causes and those without a physical basis.

Fidgetiness

Chapter 11 of Clinical Notes on Disorders of Childhood. In this chapter, Winnicott wishes to distinguish fidgetiness of anxious excitement, of tics, and of chorea. The differential diagnosis is of great importance as chorea carries with it a liability to rheumatic fever and heart disease. A mistake in diagnosis may mean either that a child who is not liable to heart disease is kept in bed and would be better up and about, or else that a child with chorea is punished at school for fidgetiness that is not under voluntary control, and made to do drill and play games just when the heart should be allowed the maximum rest. Winnicott discuss the signs of each and discusses diagnosis, giving case examples.

Arthritis Associated with Emotional Disturbance

Chapter 10 of Clinical Notes on Disorders of Childhood. In this chapter, Winnicott reminds the clinician to hold in mind the possibility of a form of joint swelling similar to that of true rheumatism, which is a complication of emotional upset. He gives cases, stating that while children are nervous because they are rheumatic, the physician should not rule out that they may also be rheumatic because they are nervous.

Growing Pains

Chapter 9 of Clinical Notes on Disorders of Childhood. In this chapter, Winnicott restates his belief that growing pains are not rheumatic and quotes a range of other medical authorities who hold the same view.

A Clinical Example of Symptomatology Following the Birth of a Sibling

In this brief case, Winnicott describes the case of a three-year-old boy who is brought in by his mother because he is complaining of pains in his penis. The case is elaborated and discussed, and the child’s symptoms are related, with reference to their onset, to the arrival of the new baby.