This study determined the prevalence of suicidal behaviours prior to & during the first year of treatment in a comprehensive early psychosis program & identified predictors of suicidal behaviour. In a cohort study of 238 subjects in Calgary, Alberta, patients were assessed at initial presentation & 1 year later. Although 15.1% of subjects had attempted suicide prior to program entry, only 2.9% made an attempt in the year after program entry. 0.4% died by suicide. No further attempts were seen in those with previous parasuicide. It is speculated that specifically designed first-episode programs can reduce the suicidal behaviour in this high-risk population. The low prevalence of attempted suicide makes modelling predictors difficult. (29 refs.)