Recorded reasons, both stated spontaneously & chosen from a presented list, for each of 41 subjects, aged 16+. “Wish to die” was the commonest spontaneous reason. Nearly 1/3 indicated some nonsuicidal purpose early in the interview & consistently denied suicidal intent subsequently. 3 psychiatric judges attributed reasons for each case based on common-sense criteria. Of 23 indicating suicidal intent, 12 were judged to be suicidal. (15 ref)