An on-going research project at the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center is attempting to describe the potential suicide. Comparisons on a rating scale were made among patients who commit suicide and a random sample of case histories from the coroner's office. Approximately 10 syndromes or subgroupings of people who commit suicide have been identified. Of these syndromes, two are discussed in detail. The "Down-and-Out" syndrome includes those whose lives have followed a downhill course and who are at the end of their resources. The "I-Can't-Live-Without-You" group includes passive, dependent people who have suffered a loss of an important person. Neither of these syndromes is notable for previous suicide attempts or particular to men or women. (NS)