The author feels that suicide potential among schizophrenics is best evaluated by a dynamic assessment of the patient’s self-esteem. For patients with severe schizophrenia, self-esteem becomes progressively eroded. Other critical treatment issues include: appreciatng the protective function of a psychosis; separating unwillingness to function from inability to function; supporting the patient in his despair; monitoring familial relationships; & dealing with the loss of a therapist. (NBB)