This paper compares a large number of white & black patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals in New York state in relation to the frequency of suicidal problems. There were significant demographic but not clinical differences between the two groups. Although youth was an overall indicator of greater risk of suicidal problems, young black males were relatively at highest risk. Although separated or divorced women were more likely to be suicidal than other women, black separated or divorced women posed the greatest risk of having suicidal problems at the time of admission. The authors discuss possible explanations & suggestions regarding prevention & intervention. (17 refs.)