Psychiatry must become more concerned with the first three years of life if the roots of later pathology are to be identified so that preventive measures can be undertaken. In this overview the author interweaves newer information with what is already known about early development. He includes the concept of "organizers" in the infant's experience, which form the beginnings of integration of functions; these include vision, pain, separation anxiety, body image development, learning of body control, and exploration of property rights.Abstract Teaser