[The single child (author's transl)].

Single children are in a special situation which tends to disturbances of behavior and psychosomatic reactions. They are often symbiotic children with mainly anxiety symptoms. A narcissistic link between mother and single child renders the necessary detachment and achievement of identity more difficult. Psychodiagnosis provides important clues. The doctor has duties of advice and education for mother and child which have already been pointed out by v. Czerny. Success of psychotherapy achieving maturation of such children is often likely only if both mother and child are treated simultaneously.