The prevalence & comorbidity of mental disorders among male & female suicide attempters was studied in a systematic sample of 114 patients from consecutive cases referred to a general hospital in Helsinki between January 1 & July 31, 1990. In 98% of cases at least one Axis I diagnosis was made. Depressive syndromes were more common among females & alcohol dependence was more common among males. A high proportion of the sample (82%) suffered from comorbid mental disorders. (46 refs.)