Dépression chronique de lˈenfant et organisation anaclitique

Abstract

The objective of our study was to establish the clinic, psychopathologic and etiopathogenic profile of children’s chronic depression and to search for the link that it may have with anaclitic organisation. Material and methods – We led a retrospective study consisting of 15 files of children and teenagers presenting chronic depression evolving for more than 2 years, from among 1452 new consultant files. These cases answer all the criteria of anaclitic organisation according to the French Classification of Mental disorders in Children and Adolescents (FCMCA). Results – The school difficulties and behavioural problems constituted the main motive of the most frequent consultation (14/15 cases). The symptomatology was concealed right away by behavioural unrest in five out of 15 cases. The ten remaining cases became marked more and more by the evolution. The projective tests showed, in the eight children tested, a picture of a fragile self, a change in the image of the mother, and the experience of abandonment. All children had undergone experiences of loss or separation. A disturbance in the parents investment in the child has been noted in 12 cases out of 15. A mental pathology of one or both parents has been noted at 10 cases on 15. Conclusion – All patients followed for chronic depression fulfilled the criteria for anaclitic organisation of the CFTMEA, which suggests that this organisation in the child predisposes to the chronicity of depression in the child. Due to the existence of the well-integrated self and of the absence of specific defence mechanisms of borderline pathology; anaclitic organisation deserves to be individualised in relation to borderline pathology.