This study investigates the true nature of death in several obscure cases of mortality among a sample of schizophrenics & those diagnosed as paranoid psychotics. All deaths (n=6) during 1969-70 that were classified as “obscure”, & meeting the criteria of mental disorder & resident of southern finalnd, were investigated using the psychological autopsy method. In all cases except one, suicidal intentions had been exhibited by the patient before death. 18 ref. (NBB)