Two groups of psychiatric patients were studied: 17 patients who committed suicide & 29 suicide-risk patients who did not. A 5-factor psychosocial evaluation showed that the suicides were characterized by lack of constructive plans for the future, high chaotic energy levels & general social isolation; the suicide-risk patients were characterized by adequate planning, low energy levels & positive relationships with other people. Both groups showed depressive mood & no moral aversion to suicide.