The authors tried to determine the number & characteristics of patients in general practice who attempted or completed suicide. Almost 1/2 of attempters & completers had contact with their GPs shortly before the suicidal act. A minority of these cases were recognized by their GPs as having a high suicide risk. 70% of suicides & 58% of attempters had a depressive episode. It is not certain whether patients present clearly recognizable signs of suicide risk & if GPs can prevent suicide. (CM)