Suicides in India are increasing progressively. However, certain observations are diametrically opposite to those for the West. Males tend to predominate among attempters. The common agents used are organophosphates & other household poisons. More violent means for committing suicide are hanging, burning & drowning. More suicide attempters come from joint families. Only 5-10% male attempters & none of the female attempters reported are under the influence of alcohol at the time of attempt.47ref.