The presuicidal syndrome first described in 1958 relates to that specific psychic state of mind that leads to suicidal acts. It is an alarm signal indicating a tendency to suicide. There are 3 principal components: constriction; inhibited aggression turned toward the self; & suicidal fantasies. It is proposed that this syndrome provides a basis for better judgement of the danger of suicide, makes focused prevention possible, & is an aid in the disclosure of factors in society leading to suicide.