An attempt. to define "psychic structure" leads to the conclusion, that "st
ructure" provides adaptive behavioral strategies for the interaction of the
person with a physical and social world by representing experiences of ear
lier interactions in memory processes. Compatibility of different definitio
ns of "structure" in psychopathology and psychoanalysis is being discussed.
Developmental aspects of a "theory of mind" in children and of different m
odes of representation have to be addressed. A "multiple code theory" of W.
Bucci is introduced. Conclusions for diagnosis and therapy in psychodynami
c approaches will be drawn. It has to be faced, that children represent opt
imal structures in each level of psychic development, noting the importance
of age-relevant normative measures.