This book begins by discussing the burden of suicide, specifically the number of deaths by suicide & the number of people consequently bereaved. Transcultural comparisons of suicide are made & the focus of discussion then moves to Australia. Information is provided on epidemiological data, suicide methods, methods of attempted suicide, & psychosocial risk factors for suicide among middle-age & aged persons. Prevention practices are reviewed. The book closes with an examination of the role of the World Health Organization & new international co-operative research in suicide prevention. (113 refs.)