SAD PERSONS Scale
Organizes ten suicide risk factors to guide clinical assessment.
When to use
Structured screening of suicide risk factors in adults as support for the clinical interview.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Each letter represents a factor: sex, age, depression, previous attempt, alcohol, thinking, support, plan, spouse and sickness.
- The score does not predict individual suicide and does not replace clinical risk assessment.
- Previous attempt and an organized plan are warning factors that require urgent assessment.
- Ask directly about ideation and access to lethal means regardless of the score.
0/10 points
Low risk by the score
Assess ideation, plan, means and support; the score does not replace the clinical interview.
Formula
Add 1 point for each of the ten factors present; result from 0 to 10.
Evidence
Ten item scale proposed to organize risk factors and guide admission and follow-up decisions.
References
- Patterson WM, Dohn HH, Bird J, Patterson GA. Evaluation of suicidal patients: the SAD PERSONS scale. Psychosomatics. 1983;24(4):343-349. doi:10.1016/S0033-3182(83)73213-5
Frequently asked questions
What is SAD PERSONS Scale?
Organizes ten suicide risk factors to guide clinical assessment. Structured screening of suicide risk factors in adults as support for the clinical interview.
How is the result calculated?
Add 1 point for each of the ten factors present; result from 0 to 10.
How should the result be interpreted?
Ten item scale proposed to organize risk factors and guide admission and follow-up decisions.
What are the sources?
Patterson WM, Dohn HH, Bird J, Patterson GA. Evaluation of suicidal patients: the SAD PERSONS scale. Psychosomatics. 1983;24(4):343-349.