This article reports on 20 suicide victims in Finland (1987-88) that had used lithium in prophylaxis & treatment of a mood disorder during the final 3 months. 8 of them fulfilled the criteria of recent adequate prophylaxis. Only 2 cases used lithium as a suicide method. The study suggests that problems, especially with compliance but also in quality of treatment, are likely to limit the usefulness of lithium treatment in suicide prevention. (9 Refs.)