This study analysed parasuicide in terms of various sociodemographic & epidemiological features. It presents the profile of suicide attempers who reported or were brought to hospital in Manipal, south India over a 12-month period. The sample was made up of 52 survivors, 56% males & 44% females. 36% of the attempters were in their third decade of life. 56% had education up to secondary school. Manual labourers were more vulnerable compared to skilled labourers & professionals. The article concludes with some suggested prevention strategies. (24 refs.)