Dr. Alejandro Pelisch - Buenos Aires - Argentina

This article deals with a situation which proves to be relatively usual when close inquiry is done: Òthe anticipated mourningÓ in the evolution of the families and the children who have been diagnosed with a terminal disease. What is meant is an anticipated rupture of the ties which hold the child and the subsequent loss of the real function of holding both from a psychic and a physical perspective. This leads to the worsening in the evolution of the disease and the social and affective isolation of the professionals who are still engaged with the dying child. This event can be prevented with an appropriate management of the information related to the diagnosis and the construction of solidarity ties to hold both the family and the professionals involved.

Key words: terminal diseases in childhood - mourning - anticipated mourning - anaclytic depression - symbolic function.