[Relationship of delusions to attempted suicide and suicide]

This article is a contribution to the psychopathology of communication. Using the communication model of orienting behavior the pathological phenomena of delusion, suicide attempt and suicide are dealt with in a communication-theoretical framework. On this basis, the relationship of delusion to suicide attempts and to suicides is examined. The results are that delusion and suicide attempt are subject to a communicative principle, whereas suicide is subject to an anticommunicative principle. Our numerous observations that the act of suicide leading to death is never carried out in a state of delusion are interpreted within the framework of the communication model presented here.