Evidence suggests differences & similarities in patterns of suicide & attempted suicide between South Asians & the general English population. Among South Asians, the excess of females among both suicides & attempted suicides in even more marked; the traditional view of a strong family structure among Asians is confirmed, although cultural conflicts between generations is apparent. Suicide by burning among Asians appears to be waning. Asians who attempt or die by sucide are more likely to be suffering from stress, but less likely to have been diagnosed as mentally ill. Differences in religion, demographic, geographical, financial, & cultural characteristics contribute to the need for disaggregation & up-to-date research. (33 refs.)