[Incest by the mother: clinical and therapeutic aspects]

Whereas clinical and preventive aspects of father-daughter incest are now better-known, mother-child incest remains mysterious. Reporting four recent cases, the authors attempt to describe its main clinical features, particularly those which could allow earlier diagnosis. An original "constructive" therapeutic approach of the most severely mentally disturbed children among these victims is then developed: the emphasis is put on how medical, social and legal procedures might be coordinated.