This editorial discusses the increase of suicide & attempted suicide among adolescents in Israel. The suicide rate among 15-19 year old males was 2.5/100,000 in 1983-1985 & rose to 7.9/100,000 by 1995-1997. The highest rates of attempted suicide in the 25-29 year age range were 121.4/100,000. In females, the highest rates of attempted suicide were found for ages 15-19 years (411/100,000). Depression was the most common antecedent of self-poisoning. Depression occurs at the rate of 2-3% in prepubertal children & 6-8% in adolescents. (12 refs)