The present investigation is concerned with data on the behaviour of out-patients during counselling. On the clinical diagnostic level three test groups were formed, consisting of neurotic patients, of patients with somatic illnesses, and of patients with stomach ulcers (the latter were chosen as examples for psychosomatic illness). The group-specific differences in the collected data on the duration of the illness, the latency before seeking consultation, and the number of consultants, as well as the reasons for a change in the consultant, show a polarized position of the neurotic versus the ulcer patients while the somatically ill patients occupy a middle position. The results may be interpreted as a process of designation typical for each specific illness and being viewed as variables imminent to the specific illness as well.