In this comparison study, 250 adolescent & children hospitalized as a result of suicidal behavior were matched with inpatients hospitalized because of non-suicidal psychiatric diseases. Statistically significant relationships were found between suicidal actions & broken homes, middle sibling position, ages 14-17, mental disorders in close family members, masked depression. Ratio of attempts was higher in males than had been anticipated (1:2 vs 1:3).(NBB)