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The author proposes that the experiences we designate as disturbing are those in which we are unable to distinguish healthy from unhealthy aspects, as the absence of a scientifically based theory of mental health leaves us too exposed to social pressures. The author also proposes that we should consider the theoretical contribution that could come from putting order in our conceptions of sanity through an evolutionary approach. In particular, he proposes a revision of the concept of psychological defense focusing the existence of ancient defense strategies in the form of paroxysmal metabolic savings (freezing) which in the course of evolution have become partly maladaptive, coming into conflict with the defense strategies which push in the direction of greater metabolic expenditure through hunting and aggression. The two defensive strategies can conflict if they are not regulated through cortical mediation. Some reasons for the failure of this mediation are examined, a failure that leaves individuals at the mercy of the oscillations of their basic nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]