A 1-year study of 278 suicide attempts in a general hospital tested the continuous verus dichotomous relationship between attempter impulsivity & attempt impulsivity. Attempter impulsivity was not a good predictor of attempt impulsivity independently of how both dimensions were measured (continuous or dichotomous ways). Impulsive attempts were associated with low lethality & lack of depression. Opportunties for prevention of suicide attempts in major depression & some personality traits may exist but require attentive monitoring of suicide ideation & intent. (18 refs.) JA