This study investigates the under-reporting of suicide. Issues related to gender differences, age & method of suicide are presented. The study was performed retrospectively using the files of H M Coroner for South Yorkshire over the years 1985 to 1991. 536 deaths were judged highly probable that they were suicides, although only 60% received this verdict from the coroner. Results indicate that official suicide statistics produce a distorted view of the suicide population with relative under-reporting of females who die by suicide. (26 refs) (SC)