This study analyzes how sociodemographic & clinical characteristics influence the treatment decision for patients referred to an emergency room due to attempted suicide. The authors found that older patients were more likely to be hospitalized, while women & patients with regular occupational activity were more likely to receive outpatient treatment. In logistic regression analysis, attempted suicide using aggressive methods, history of psychiatric inpatient treatment, & psychotic disorders were associated with inpatient treatment, while adjustment & neurotic disorders were related to outpatient treatment. (34 refs)