Nine suicide pacts. A clinical study of a consecutive series 1974-93.

Abstract

Suicide pacts are rarely discussed in the medical literature. We report here the medical and social aspects of a consecutive series of double or pact suicides. Coroners' records were examined for 722 consecutive suicides. Data were extracted from them and from medical and psychiatric records. Nine pacts (2.5% of suicides) were located: 11 of the 18 people appeared to have been mentally ill at the time of death and three more had a history of mental illness. Five had a significant medical history (three cancer). Mental disorder is common in those who enter suicide pacts (mainly depression, with alcohol dependence rare). Motivations for suicide appear to be relief of mental disorder and pain.