Suicidal Tendencies of Mentally Retarded Adults in Community Settings

Mentally retarded suicide attempters & suicide ideators living in community settings were compared to a group of nonsuicidal mentally retarded adults referred for outpatient mental health services on a number of demographic and life history variables. The methods of suicide attempts were similar to those used by the general population. Precipitants of suicide attempts and presenting problems on clinic referral suggest needed types of mental health services.