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One may say of inhibitions, in fine, that they [[represent ]] a limitation and restriction of ego functions, either precautionary or resulting from an impoverishment of [[energy]]. PoA-ch.l The more general inhibitions of the ego follow a simple [[mechanism]]. When the ego is occupied with a [[psychic ]] task of special difficulty, as for example by [[mourning]], a wholesale [[suppression ]] of [[affect]], or by the [[necessity ]] for holding constantly mounting [[sexual ]] [[fantasies ]] in check, it becomes so impoverished with respect to the energy available to it that it is driven to restrict its expenditure in many places at the same [[time ]] like a speculator who has tied up his [[money ]] in his various enterprises.

Inhibition and [[Anxiety]]-Many inhibitions are an obvious [[renunciation ]] of function, because the exercise of the function would give rise to anxiety. PoA-ch. 1 Inhibition, Occupational-Inhibition in the field of occupation, which so often becomes a matter of [[treatment ]] as an isolated [[symptom]], is evidenced in diminished [[pleasure ]] in [[work]], or in its poor execution, or in such reactive manifestations as fatigue ([[vertigo]], [[vomiting]]) if the [[subject ]] forces himself to go on [[working]]. [[Hysteria ]] compels the suspension of work by producing [[paralysis ]] of organs and functions, the [[existence ]] of which is incompatible with the carrying on of work. Tbe [[compulsion ]] [[neurosis ]] interferes with work by a continuous distraction of the attention and by [[loss ]] of time in the [[form ]] of procrastination and [[repetition]]. [Certain] inhibitions evidently subserve a [[desire ]] for [[self]]-[[punishment]], as for example not infrequently those in the sphere of vocational [[activity]]. The ego dares not do certain things because they would bring an advantage and a success which the strict [[superego ]] has [[forbidden]]. Thereupon the ego renounces these activities also, in [[order ]] not to become involved in [[conflict ]] with the superego.

Inhibition, Specific-In the [[case ]] of certain [[particular ]] inhibitions the trend expressed is rather easily recognized. When playing the piano, [[writing]], and even [[walking ]] are made the subject of [[neurotic ]] inhibition, [[analysis ]] reveals as the basis thereof an excessive erotization of the [[organ ]] involved in the function in question, the fingers and the feet. (Cf. also Walking, Writing.) PoA-ch. 1 Inhibition vs. Symptom-It is easy to see wherein an inhibition differs from a symptom. A symptom can no longer be described as a [[process ]] taking [[place ]] either in or around the ego. PoA-ch.l The two [[concepts ]] are not rooted in the same soil. Inhibition relates specifically to function and does not necessarily denote something pathological; a normal restriction or reduction of a function may also be termed an inhibition of it. To [[speak ]] of a symptom, on the [[other ]] hand, is tantamount to indicating a morbid process. Thus an inhibition may also be a symptom. Our habits of [[speech ]] are such, then, as [[cause ]] us to speak of an inhibition when a simple reduction of function is [[present]], of a symptom when it is a question of an unusual alteration of function or of a new modality thereof. In many cases it seems to be perfectly [[arbitrary ]] whether one emphasizes the positive or the [[negative ]] aspect of a pathological process, whether one [[terms ]] its result a symptom or an inhibition.