The aim of this study was to identify factors which would predict nonfatal repetition of a suicidal act. Repetition was studied both retrospectively & prospectively. In the restrospective analyses, 11 variables were found to discriminate between repeaters & nonrepeaters. In the prospective analyses of patients, different variables predicted repetition among those with no history of suicidal behaviour & those with previous suicidal behaviour. Implications for secondary prevention were discussed.