58 suicides, studied by psychological autopsies, were classified according to presence or absence of previous psychiatric care. 15 of the 16 subjects without previous care were males, six of these were diagnosed as having an adjustment disorder related to a recent event. Unemployment was less common, the suicidal processes were shorter, previous parasuicide & communication about intent were less frequent among nonpatients. Nonpatients used active methods as often as psychiatric patients did.