Medicine: For Children Only

“I wrestled with reality for 40 years, doctor,” says Elwood P. Dowd, the daffy, lovable alcoholic of the long-run Broadway hit, Harvey, “and I am happy to state that I finally won out over it.” Elwood is hiding from an intolerable reality behind his imaginary six-foot rabbit companion that gives the play its name.

Playgoers who chuckle at Elwood and Harvey may not know that what they find so amusing is a “schizoid maneuver.” The schizoid maneuver, explains Manhattan Psychiatrist William V. Silverberg, is a mental dodge to escape reality. Those who play this dangerous game too often, Dr. Silverberg warns in Psychiatry, are courting schizophrenia (split personality).

Why do audiences find Elwood and his rabbit endearing rather than outlandish? Because, says Dr. Silverberg, most people are familiar with the schizoid maneuver, even though they do not know what it is called. Children invent imaginary companions, use them as scapegoats and comforting friends in time of trouble. For children, this schizoid maneuver is more or less normal and harmless. But an adult had better beware of pulling six-foot rabbits out of his unhappy mind.