The purpose of this study was to collect sociodemographic data & study clinical features of patients attempting suicide. Psychosocial data of 296 patients admitted to the University Hospital in Kuala Lumpur in 1989 after attempting suicide are reported. Suicidal behaviours were found to be common among young females, with persons of Indian ethnic origin also over represented. Self-poisoning was the most common method of suicide attempt, & diagnosis of adjustment disorder was made in 58.5% of the patients. (11 refs)