General hospital psychiatrists were given a pilot questionnaire aimed at characterizing patients evaluated for suicidality. 27 patients in a 4-month period were studied for demographic, medical, psychiatric, & suicidal variables. Comparison with medical patients who had attempted/completed suicide in prior studies & recommendations to reduce suicidal impulses & improve the database were discussed. A 3-page appendix provides the Suicidal Ideation Assessment Form (SIAF). (11 refs.)