The management of adolescent suicidal behavior in practices of 48 pediatricians from Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y. was reviewed in the context of a rising local & national incidence. It is hypothesized that avoidance of the issue by the pediatrician results in underutilization of this potentially valuable resource. Asking about the problem may result in a higher contact rate &, it is proposed, a better outcome. Depressive symptoms & appropriate responses to suicidal thinking are discussed.(DD)