The role of psychiatric illness, life events & family psychopathology as risk factors for suicide were explored. 100 suicides in Madras & 100 neighborhood controls were included in a population based case-control study. Identified risk factors include: the presence of an Axis 1 disorder, family history of psychopathology, a lack of faith in God, recent life events, personality disorder, early parental loss & a previous suicide attempt. Prevention strategies to address these issues are discussed.