In this summary, the authors discuss 3 AIDS cases where suicide became an issue. Analysis revealed points germane to AIDS patients & their therapists. For many AIDS victims, considering suicide is a way of retaining control. AIDS patients need a better blending of traditional health care with strategies to meet their complex psychosocial needs. Suicidal ideas in the absence of depression will require each caregiver to grapple with his own view of rational suicide. (GW)