[An infant's "forbidden games" (related to six cases of severe merycism)]. / Jeux interdits du nourrisson (à propos de six cas de mérycisme grave).

ABSTRACT

Merycism (pondering, in Anglo-Saxon Literature) is an affectation that has become rare in infants but which is still news because of its potential severity. Although psychosomatic by nature, it compromise the vital prognosis if the diagnosis isn't made and appropriate psychotherapeutical measures taken in good time. Based on six cases of severe merycism, the author studies the sign-language and the diagnostic in order to specify the positive elements that must have brought about the illness. A psychopathological hypothesis of the aberrant behavior leading to this "heavy thinking" is put forth. The various psychopathological mechanisms at play in this problem are then shown based on how frustratingly isolated the baby is. Finally, treatment by intensive nurturing and its behavioral components is described as well as the evolution to a half-way point. The ending goes back to the affective meaning of the problem.