SAD PERSONS Scale
10-item mnemonic of suicide risk factors, 1 point each. NICE NG225 (2022) advises against using risk scales to predict suicide or to decide who is offered treatment or discharged — use it to structure the history, not to replace a clinical assessment.
Score interpretation
Score 0–2: Low suicide risk
→ Outpatient follow-up; safety plan; educate carer
Score 3–4: Moderate risk
→ Close follow-up; consider psychiatric liaison; remove means
Score 5–6: High risk
→ Strongly consider psychiatric admission; 1:1 observation
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.
- 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)
- 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.