The relative importance of suicide as a cause of death, especially among younger persons, underlines the urgency of preventive measures. This study covers the fatal cases in a Swedish city of 450 000 inhabitants in 1968, 71 men and 30 women. Loneliness is closely associated with suicide, with high rates among divorced and widowed and among the elderly. “Sick-listing” is common in the material during the years preceding the suicide. Incomes are not lower than for the population in general, but half of the men are in debt at the time of death. In the critical phase, care had been given in only few cases. This is valid for psychiatric out-and inpatient care, all medical care leading to “sick-listing”, and for social care. Preventive measures must be encouraged at all levels. The needs of old people must be met, including psychiatric care, early cases must be detected and special care facilities must be created. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]