Trends in suicide in Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania were studied for the years 1968-1990. Suicide rates declined sharply from 1986, the year marking the onset of turbulent social change. From 1968-1984, the male suicide rate (per 100,000) was 55.7 in Estonia, 52.5 in Latvia & 51.7 in Lithuania. Female suicide rates were 14.3, 14.3 & 10.4, respectively. Male suicide rates decreased by 26.6% in Estonia, 26.6% in Latvia & 14.4% in Lithuania from 1986-1990. Female suicide rates were relatively stable.