To the Editor: Recent articles have described use of the Internet by individuals to obtain instructions on how to complete a suicide (1, 2). Editorials and discussions have focused on the existence of these sites and the information they provide (3, 4). What is lacking is information on the characteristics of individuals who access these sites. I report the case of another individual who used the Internet to research suicide methods.

The Internet has become a ubiquitous source of information for both professionals and patients alike. A large number of web sites and discussion groups provide information identifying methods of self-harm. Of the methods described in this case, I was able to locate the latter easily. What is less clear is information detailing how frequently patients use these resources and potential features that would allow at-risk individuals to be identified. Since the methods described on the Internet are potentially more lethal, being able to identify this group accurately is crucial in risk assessment. The number of reported cases is small. In three cases (reference 2 and this letter), patients were diagnosed with personality disorders or borderline mental retardation, indicating that they likely would use rigid, concrete, or maladaptive coping strategies. Creating a profile associated with individuals using Internet-derived suicide plans will require more study. In the meantime, clinicians should be alert to the dangers of Internet use by their suicidal patients.