The treatment of unresolved grief following loss of an infant.

This article includes a discussion of several factors in the development of unresolved grief and the emergence of a different state of mind, a self-image that is less able to cope with the stress of loss. Emphasis is placed on the issue of previous sensitization to loss stemming from childhood experiences. A case example is presented to illustrate the treatment of unresolved grief and the need to recognize the importance of developmental experiences in the patient's current mode of dealing with the stress of loss. Some suggestions are presented to assist the busy physician in dealing with patients who have experienced infant loss and in deciding when to refer such patients to psychiatrists.