The author demonstrates that a significant number of persons who commit suicide are suffering from one or more, often chronic, diseases. Those with diseases of the central nervous system or with cancer are more at risk for taking their own lives, as is the older victim with a physical illness. Physicians are encouraged to make direct enquiries about the patient’s mood & possible suicide intentions &, as far as possible, to control distress symptoms, particularly severe pain. 89 Refs. (LH)