There has been a great deal of reseacrh on the epidemiologic indicators and correlates of attempted suicide in different countries. However, the number of local researches in Iran has been scanty. In a cross sectional study, during a one year period, from June 22, 1991 to June 21, 1992, all consecutive referrals for suicide attempt to three centers which covered all referrals due to self poisoning. Attempts by burining and traumatic methods, were interviewd. An overall 561 patients were interviewed. Data analysis was done uxing X² for trend and fisher exact for. Data indicated that our cases were younger than the reference population. Females were overrepresented 1.5 times as men (P<0.001), unemployment and low education were correlated as well. The most common method was self poisoning especially by medications (predominantly by Diazepam) self cutting and burning ranking next. Death occurred in 30 persons (5.3%) and addicts had the highest mortality. The least number of suicides (P<0.001) but also the most fatal ones (P<0.001) occurred in autimn. As the lowest figers belonged to December our study doesn't support the western view that the reported December through is related to Christmas and the possibility of a chronobiologic contribution is suggested. Meanwhile, our data suggests that future preventive programmes should be directed toward the youth as the target group.