Clinical triage score for suicide risk assessment and emergency decision-making.

What it is and when to use it

The SAD PERSONS scale is a 10-item mnemonic-based clinical tool created by Patterson et al. (1983) for suicide risk assessment.

How to interpret it

Scores 0–2: Low risk (outpatient evaluation); 3–4: Moderate risk (close outpatient follow-up); 5–6: High risk (consider hospitalization); 7–10: Very high risk (mandatory psychiatric admission).

Limitations and when not to use it

SAD PERSONS is a screening heuristic. Clinical judgment, patient intent, and acute psychiatric assessment must always supersede scoring cut-offs.

Frequently asked questions

What does the SAD PERSONS acronym stand for?

S - Sex, A - Age, D - Depression, P - Previous attempt, E - Ethanol use, R - Rational thinking loss, S - Social supports lacking, O - Organized plan, N - No spouse, S - Sickness.