This study reports a prospective evaluation of 189 patients who entered the committment process in Oregon. Patients were assessed for committment status, morbidity & mortality at 6 & 19 months. 10 patients had died by suicide by the end of the follow-up period. 8 of these 10 had not been committed into care. These 8 were a younger group with an average age of 29 years, predominantly male & had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or alcohol addiction. (8 refs.)