Suicide is associated with certain diagnoses. In addition to its association with depression, suicide is related to panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia more so than other psychological disorders; therefore, full understanding of the individual including his/her psychiatric history is important in dealing with someone who is suicidal. Suicide is also associated with certain traumas. The traumas of physical or sexual abuse as a child increase the risk for suicide in both childhood and in adulthood. In studying the connection between various types of abuse and suicide, prospective research is needed that uses clear definitions and distinguishes between physical, sexual, and combined abuse. Also, the trauma of contracting AIDS may heighten suicide risk, particularly near the time of HIV testing or if dementia or drug treatment clouds consciousness. At these times, clinicians should take special care to assess for suicidal thoughts. Further, suicide is associated with certain groups more than others. Adolescents, the elderly, and certain ethnic groups have higher rates than others. Prevention strategies that recognize the uniqueness of the individual and that are implemented in the home, the school, and the community have become significant. Additionally, suicide may be an imitative act. This is more likely if the model is a celebrity, if the publicity is extensive, and if people are asked about others rather than themselves. Suicidal behavior is so complex that current knowledge, although facilitating the prediction of which populations and circumstances increase risk, is insufficient to predict the specific individuals who will attempt or succeed in killing themselves. 52 references