Psychiatry Emergency Medicine B
SAD PERSONS Scale
10-item mnemonic scale for assessing suicide risk. Each positive factor scores 1 point.
Used in: Depression & Anxiety
Score interpretation
Low Risk 0–2
Score 0–2: Low suicide risk
→ Outpatient follow-up; safety plan; educate carer
Moderate Risk 3–4
Score 3–4: Moderate risk
→ Close follow-up; consider psychiatric liaison; remove means
High Risk 5–6
Score 5–6: High risk
→ Strongly consider psychiatric admission; 1:1 observation
Very High Risk 7–10
Score 7–10: Very high risk
→ Emergency psychiatric admission; immediate safety measures
Interpretation bands for the SAD PERSONS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Patterson WM, et al. Evaluation of suicidal patients: the SAD PERSONS scale. Psychosomatics. 1983;24(4):343-349.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Drugs
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Ziprasidone · Atypical Antipsychotic — D2/5-HT2A Antagonist (Low Metabolic Risk)
- Atorvastatin (CKD Cardiovascular Risk) · Cardiovascular Risk in CKD
- Icosapent Ethyl (Omega-3 — Cardiovascular Risk Reduction) · Omega-3 Fatty Acid (Purified EPA — Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester)
Pathways
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.