Suicide pact in a setting of Folie à Deux

Abstract

A case of folie à deux affecting two women friends who presented as a suicide pact is described. The shared delusion was based on their life situation and experiences. Social intervention and obtaining employment led to marked attenuation of the delusion in both partners simultaneously and while in close contact. Review of the relevant literature revealed striking theoretical similarities between folie à deux and suicidal pacts suggesting the ease with which the former could become the foundation for the latter.