Data suggest that a majority of suicides are associated witha relatively small number of conditions. From available follow-up studies, the following estimated percentages of affected individuals will die by suicide: (a) primary (endogenous) depression, 15%; (b) reactive (neurotic) depression, 15%; (c) alcoholism, 15%; (d) schizophrenia, 10%; (e) psychopathic personality, 5%; (f) opiate addiction, 10% or more. Rough estimates of suicides/yr in the US, attributable to each, are given. (149 ref)