To investigate the effects of the whole root of rauwolfia serpentina (Raudixin) on dream frequency, two neurotic patients under intensive psychotherapy received, during alternating periods, Raudixin (a total of 8 periods) and placebo (a total of 7 periods). Quantitatively the number of dreams was found to be considerably greater during the drug period. The dreams were used in a partial uncovering and overcoming of a marked resistance due to positive transference fantasies, which had hampered the progress of the therapy. Theoretically the apparent “dreamogenic” capacity of the drug could be understood as due to an alteration of the sources of drives, and a consequent economical shift in cathexis of mental energy.
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