Psychopathology, suicidal behavior, child abuse, somatization, & health care utilization in 34 children with a parent who has somatization disorder was studied & compared to 41 children with a somatizing parent & 30 pediatrically ill controls. Children of parents with a somatization disorder & controls had similar scores on thoughts of death, suicide & suicidal behavior. Children of parents with a somatization disorder attempted suicide significantly more often than the other 2 groups. (42 refs)