133 affective disorder Ss who received prophylactic treatment with lithium were followed prospectively for 5 yrs & their mortality was recorded. 22 Ss died during the period, 9 from definite or probable suicide. Observed mortality was greater than expected. Suicide victims were all bipolars or suffered from affective disorder with uncertain polarity & were significantly younger than Ss who died from natural causes. Results show the need for the establishment of comprehensive treatment programs.