Depression and homicide. A psychiatric and forensic study of four cases

Four examples of homicide followed by attempted suicide are presented based on the psychiatric examinations prepared for the use of the courts. Three cases were suffering from unbearable states of endogenous depression and the fourth showed a serious chronic neurotic depression following an acute grief reaction before and during homicide. The relationship between depression and homicide is discussed from the standpoint of clinical psychopathology. Criminal responsibility of these cases is also discussed.