In south-east Scotland, 791 subjects treated with lithium fo r more than 2 months during 1967-76 were traced. 33 subjects had died. The standardised mortality rate was 2.83, & excess mortality was attributable to suicide & cardiovascular disease. Suicide was the major cause of death in the younger group. Suicide showed the most marked increase & was at least 36 times greater than expected. The increased suicide mortality seen in this study is similar to that seen in previous reports. (35 refs.)