ABSTRACT
Receiving the diagnosis and negotiating subsequent treatment, of a life-threatening illness constitutes a psychic trauma. The parental role differs for adolescents, depending on where they have reached in their steps towards independence. The main difficulty for parents of seriously ill adolescents seems to be in finding a balance between the inevitably altered circumstances and roles, and allowing the young adult's steps towards autonomy. Depression is a widespread reaction in children facing a life-threatening illness and seems specifically to be concomitant with loss of autonomy, loss of control, and helplessness. The child who is talked to honestly about the progress of his illness has the opportunity to build up trust, at a time when he needs a foundation of trust. An initial reaction of numbness can be common to both the child and parents, and links with observations of reactions to bereavement.
