A study of 9135 persons treated for spinal cord injuries between 1973-84 was conducted. At the end of follow-up in 1985, 50 persons had committed suicide. Suicide was the leading cause of death for persons with complete paraplegia & the 2nd leading cause of death for persons with incomplete paraplegia. The most common means of committing suicide was by gunshot. These figures show the need for increased awareness of this problem & the need for improved follow-up assessment & psychosocial support.