Data on suicides, attempted suicides, & other self-harming behaviours in Italian prisons from 1990-2002 were studied. Over the study period, suicide rates in Italian prisons were constantly about 10 times higher than among the general population, but over time they did not increase significantly despite nearly a doubling in the absolute number of inmates. The rate of suicide in overcrowded prisons was about 10 times higher than in non-overcrowded ones. Attempted suicides were about 10 time higher than suicides, with females being significantly more likely to attempt suicide than males. Better identification of people with mental disorders & a reduction in overcrowding are 2 key issues that need to be addressed to reduce the impact of suicide & self-harming behaviours among prisoners. (27 refs.)