The literature consists of numerous references to coping styles when facing life-threatening illness, but the general consensus denotes the following as the predominant ones: denial, depression, anger, suicide, anxiety and fear reactions, psychosomatic complaining, schizoid-type and neurotic-type reactions, regression, dependency, and withdrawal. Although many styles serve a useful function to patients, the incidence of maladaptive coping techniques suggests the need for psychosocial care.(SIEC)