This retrospective study characterizes the suicidal behaviour in 119 patients with Axis I adjustment disorders as assessed by psychiatrists at the University of Virginia Hospital. Results indicated 72 patients had documented suicide attempts in the past, 96% had been suicidal during their admission to the hospital, & 50% had attempted suicide before their hospitalization. Adjustment disorder diagnosis in patients with suicide attempts was associated with a high level of suicidality at admission, involuntary hospitalization, & substance-abuse disorders. Axis II diagnoses constituted risk factors for further suicidal behaviour. Additional future prospective studies with reliability checks on diagnosis of adjustment disorders & suicidal behaviour are needed. (39 refs.)