This study is part of a national effort to investigate the problem of overdoses among Bahraini youths. The aim of the study was to identify characteristics of attempters from two age groups: adolescents (15-18 years) and young adults (19-24 years). 57 adolescents and 43 young adults were examined as part of a case control study of all Bahraini attempted overdosers aged 15-24 years. The adolescent overdose attempter was more likely to be single, female, a student with a low suicide intent but having a feeling of failure in their life. They had problems with peers and were more socially isolated. On the other hand, the young adult overdose attempter was more likely to be married, unemployed with a serious intention of committing suicide. Level of education, social class, the frequency of recent contacts with helping agencies, type and source of drug used, reasons for taking overdose and prevalence of mental disorder were similar in both groups. The implications of such findings with respect to prevention and early intervention are discussed.