Cases with unipolar DSM-III-R major depression (n=71) from a sample of suicides in Finland (1987-88), were analyzed using psychological autopsies. Suicides were classified & compared by treatment setting: psychiatric care, medical care, & no contact with health care. Among the settings, suicide victims with major depression differ in sex distribution & communication of suicide intent. This may complicate the ability to generalize research findings, particularly from pshyciatric to medical care.