The present study is based on interviews with 953 patients (572 females and 381 males) from the county of Sør-Trøndelag who came in contact with the health services after a parasuicide during the period 1 October 1988 to 31 December 1992. Almost half of the patients had a history of earlier parasuicide, and almost half reported that the intention of the last parasuicide was to kill themselves. The parasuicides were regarded as serious by the medical staff in 26% of the cases. There was a significant association between suicidal intention and seriousness. The patients often reported alcohol, drug, family and psychiatric problems, and had often been in contact with health services during the month preceding the parasuicide. 3% of the females and 23% of the males had been sentenced to jail. 24% had experienced a parasuicide and 17% a suicide among family members or friends. 33% of the females and 18% of the males reported having been physically abused, and 14% of the females and 6% of the males reported sexual abuse. The results are discussed in light of previous Norwegian studies.