Discusses factors involved in assessing suicidal potential. Preliminary considerations include personality structure, described in psychoanalytic terms, & stresses, which can be realistic, pseudorealistic, quasi-magnified, or unconcious. Mechansims underlying attempts are posited to be ego destructive (self-condemnation/guilt), ego withdrawal (as sole defense), displaced hostility (as sole defense), & response to delulsions or hallucinations. Other causes & considerations are discussed. (RM)