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There is considerable controversy about the possible link between suicidal behaviors and psychotropics (especially antidepressants). Since ethical and methodological problems prevent direct research, discussion has to draw largely on indirect evidence. Treatment with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors does not increase the risk of suicide in adults, but it is difficult to make a firm pronouncement about the effect of SSRIs on suicidal behavior (ideation and suicide attempts). The findings suggest that SSRI treatment has a protective effect in all adult age groups. Studies suggest that antidepressants may increase suicidal risk in bipolar disorder; this possibly being related to the induction of broadly defined mixed states. There is no evidence that antiepileptic drugs as a class increase suicidal risk in patients with bipolar disorder. Only lithium provides convincing data that it reduces the risk of suicide over the long term. There is little known regarding the effects of antipsychotics, as well as anti-anxiety and hypnotic drugs, on suicidal behavior. Studies suggest that antidepressants may increase suicidal risk in bipolar disorder; this possibly being related to the induction of broadly defined mixed states. There is no evidence that antiepileptic drugs as a class increase suicidal risk in patients with bipolar disorder. Only lithium provides convincing data that it reduces the risk of suicide over the long term. Clozapine reduces suicide attempts and hospitalizations for suicidality in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. There is little known regarding the effects of antipsychotics, as well as anti-anxiety and hypnotic drugs, on suicidal behavior.