[Aspects of suicide].

A review of relevant publications with reference to epidemiological data and their application to predictive profiles of at-risk populations regarding suicide and attempted suicide is given. It is indicated that suicide and parasuicide are to be seen as sociocultural problems with a complexity of contributing factors. Conscious and subconscious motives play a part within a psycho-existential continuum with intrapsychic, interpersonal, biological, psychological and social components. This spectrum of individualized components and the social impact of the deed present the clinician with a psychiatric emergency for which he must be adequately equipped. Management based on a team approach is delineated.