Evidence about risk factors for suicidal behaviour in young people was gathered by a review of relevant English-language articles & other papers published since the mid-1980s. The literature yields a generally consistent account of the risk factors & life processes that lead to youth suicide & suicide attempts. Current research evidence suggests the strongest risk factors for youth suicide are mental disorders (in particular, affective disorders, substance use disorders & antisocial behaviours) & a history of psychopathology. Priorities for intervening to reduce youth suicidal behaviours lie with interventions focused upon the improved recognition, treatment, & management of young people with mental disorders. (206 refs.)