This article reports on a Danish study of suicide attempter’s contact with health & social welfare authorities prior to a suicide attempt. It was found that 25% of those seeking help requested therapeutic consultations & only a few asked for medicinal treatment. 40% had taken newly prescribed medicine for parasuicide. It was concluded that the availability of psychological support & a more restrictive prescription of medicine could have a preventative effect on parasuicidal behavior. (25 Refs.)