Investigated are trends in drugs used in attempted suicide. Data obtained (1969,1976) in a larger study & in a study of 50 attempters under 16 revealed that younger patients generally used non-opiate analgesics (salicylates, paracetamol) while the elderly used antidepressants. Overall, barbituate use had decreased & the use of psychotrophic drugs had increased. Fig. 1&2. 11 refs. NBB