Assessment of suicide risk is a challenging task which includes a psychopathological evaluation, consideration of socio-demographic & clinical variables, history of previous suicide attempts, & analysis of the psychological context. A high index of suspicion helps to avoid possible pitfalls in the assessment of suicide risk. Individuals with imminent risk of suicide need immediate & intensive psychiatric care. In most cases, admission is advisable. Excitative symptoms, including anxiety, restlessness, agitation, hyperactivity, insomnia, impulsiveness, aggressiveness, & rage, are the targets of acute treatment. There are many psychopharmacological treatments, with lithium & clozapine showing effectiveness in reducing suicide. (75 refs.)