Some literature on adolescent suicide attempts is examined. The extent to which it is possible to identify subgroupings within groupings of young people who took overdoses is discussed. A study in which the characteristics of 2 groups of young people – one who had been admitted to hospital after a single overdose attempt, & a second group of repeat overdose attempters – is presented. Findings are discussed in terms of identifying adolescents at an increased risk of repeating an overdose attempt.