100 children under 16 yrs of age, who were admitted to hospital following an episode of deliberate self-poisoning, were compared with 59 psychiatric, non-suicidal control, proportionally matched for age & sex. The self-poisoners & their families showed more evidence of delinquency, previous psychiatric disorders & self-poisoning. Their presentation was often acute, though usually within the setting of long-term, chronic difficulties & emphasises the need for skilled & careful assessment. 24 refs