Double suicides: four modal cases.

Double suicides, or suicide pacts, are relatively rare and usually involve older married couples. Histories of four such couples are reviewed. The participants were similar to other (nonpact) suicides with regard to recent visits to physicians, alcohol use, and communication of intent. They differ from other suicides in that they are more likely to have a first-degree relative who died by suicide. Similar DSM-III diagnoses were found in both members of each couple, and there was a complementary quality in their personal and family histories.