[Understanding of psychopathological constitutions and mental defect in the concept of Th. Ziehen].
The author analyzed a symptom concept of Th. Ziehen that had competed with the Kraepelin nosological concept of mental disorders. The classification of psychopathological constitutions and defective states in mental diseases used by Th. Ziehen is discussed. The particular significance given by Th. Ziehen to overvalues in the formation of psychopathological phenomena and sexual perversions as major characteristics of the general type of inherited psychopathic constitution is emphasized. The Th. Ziehen's definition of psychopathic constitution is compared to Kraepelin's conception of psychopathic personality.