This study examined the attitudes & perceptions of 290 primary care physicians towards a hypothetical suicidal, depressed patient who had come in for treatment. A mail survey was used. Age bias was studied by varying the age of the patient. Results indicated a negative age bias was evident toward the older patient. Findings suggest primary care training should target ageism as well as a basic knowledge of identification, assessment & treatment of depressed & suicidal geriatric patients.