[Psychorelational aspects of the end of life]

The patient nearing the end of life should be considered as a living being who is suffering and who has needs. Overall the suffering is physical, psychological and spiritual. The patient undergoes this final existential crisis filled with both anxiety and hope. Each person has unique mechanisms of defense and adaptation, linked to his personality and background. These unique reactions must be recognised and taken into account in care and in communication in order to maintain a living relationship to the end.