This mean 5.3-year follow-up study was based on an unselected cohort of suicide attempts by both violent & non-violent methods, treated in hospitals in Helsinki. In total, 2782 patients, aged 15+ years, admitted to the emergency rooms after a suicide attempt between 1989-1996 were included in the analysis. Mortality from all causes was 15 times higher than expected among men & 9 times higher in women. 15% of all suicide attempters died during the follow-up period. Deaths from suicide accounted for 37% of all excess deaths in men & 44% in women. The mortality ratio was highest during the first follow-up year. Even though suicide is the main cause of excess deaths, it is concluded other causes of death also need to addressed to prevent the excess mortality of suicide attempters. (43 refs.)