42 adolescent suicide attempters hospitalized in Lucknow during a 1-year period were analyzed & clinically evaluated. Analysis showed a ratio of male to female of 3:2 & childhood bereavement in 31% of subjects. Poor scholastic performace, unhealthy personality patterns, strained family relationships & high expectations of parents seemed to be important contributory factors. These findings are discussed in the context of prevailing socio-economic & cultural variables. (21 refs.)