[Depression and crime. Review of the literature and original cases]

After mentioning the classical studies of Freud, Fenichel, De Greeff and Lagache, the author reviews contemporary works on the following relationships: depression-homicide; murder-suicide. Two cases of familial murder committed during a state of depression are then studied in depth. Two remarks from previous analyses are then made: the underestimation of the factor of depression in the homicidal act; and the need for reforming the practice of penal psychiatric survey. The author concludes that depressive and suicidal tendencies should be included among the best predictors of psychiatric dangerousness.