“…Maria Atkins Locum Consultant Psychiatrist, Chase Farm Hospital,The Ridgeway, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 8JL; e-mail: atkins.maria@virgin.net `Haltlose' type personality disorder (ICD--10 F60.8) Sir: There is indeed no English equivalent word to describe `haltlose' personalities (Cullivan, 1998). The word indicates a drifting, aimless and irresponsible lifestyle: a translation might be `lacking a hold' (on life or onto the self).…”