SAD PERSONS scale

The SAD PERSONS scale is an acronym utilized as a mnemonic device. It was first developed as a clinical assessment tool for medical students to determine suicide risk, by Patterson et al. The Adapted-SAD PERSONS Scale was developed by Gerald A. Juhnke for use with children in 1996.

Calculation
The score is calculated from ten yes/no questions, with one point for each affirmative answer:
 * S: Male sex
 * A: Older age
 * D: Depression
 * P: Previous attempt
 * E: Ethanol abuse
 * R: Rational thinking loss
 * S: Social supports lacking
 * O: Organized plan
 * N: No spouse
 * S: Sickness

This score is then mapped onto a risk assessment scale as follows:

Modified SAD PERSONS Scale
The score is calculated from ten yes/no questions, with points given for each affirmative answer as follows:
 * S: Male sex → 1
 * A: Age 45 years → 1
 * D: Depression or hopelessness → 2
 * P: Previous suicidal attempts or psychiatric care → 1
 * E: Excessive ethanol or drug use → 1
 * R: Rational thinking loss (psychotic or organic illness) → 2
 * S: Single, widowed or divorced → 1
 * O: Organized or serious attempt → 2
 * N: No social support → 1
 * S: Stated future intent (determined to repeat or ambivalent) → 2

This score is then mapped onto a risk assessment scale as follows:


 * 0–5: May be safe to discharge (depending upon circumstances)
 * 6-8: Probably requires psychiatric consultation
 * >8: Probably requires hospital admission