This study quantified rates & severity of self-reported depression & suicide ideation in Chinese middle-school students, examined the relationship between depression & attempted suicide, & identified sociodemographic associations. A cross-sectional survey using self-completion questionnaires was carried out in 6 middle schools. 1576 questionnaires were completed. One-third of the students had suffered symptoms of severe depression, with 16% admitting to suicide ideation & 9% to an actual suicide attempt. Factors independently associated with severe depression were female gender, poor self-reported academic performance, & rural residence. Similar factors were associated with ideation & attempts. 30% of participants sought no help from any source for psychological problems. (24 refs.) JA