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...

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