63 adolescent suicide victims with a history of affective illness were compared to 23 controls with a lifetime history of affective illness, using a case-control design. Suicide victims were more likely to have had major depression, comorbid substance abuse, a past suicide attempt, family history of major depression, treatment with tricyclic antidepressant, history of legal problems, & a handgun in the home. Prevention strategies among those with early onset affective illness are discussed.