Suicide risk among 200 schizophrenic, 100 manic, & 225 depressive patients, & 160 surgical controls was reported. The suicide experience of the study subjects was compared to that of the population of the state of Iowa, the geographical area from which the subjects were selected. The suicide experience of the surgical controls was not significantly different from that of the general population. On the other hand increased suicide risk was found in all groups except female schizophrenics.