psychiatry emergency-medicine general-medicine

SAD PERSONS Scale (Suicide Risk)

Screens for suicide risk using 10 clinical factors. Mnemonic: Sex, Age, Depression, Previous attempts, Ethanol/drug use, Rational thinking loss, Social support lacking, Organised plan, No spouse/partner, Sickness.

Used in: Depression & Anxiety

Score interpretation

SAD PERSONS 0–2 0–2

Lowest of Patterson's four categories — a low score does not mean low risk.

→ Do not use the score to decide admission or discharge (NICE NG225). Complete a psychosocial assessment, agree a safety plan, remove access to means and arrange follow-up.

SAD PERSONS 3–4 3–4

Patterson category 3–4.

→ Do not use the score to decide admission or discharge (NICE NG225). Complete a psychosocial assessment, agree a safety plan, remove access to means and arrange follow-up.

SAD PERSONS 5–6 5–6

Patterson category 5–6.

→ Do not use the score to decide admission or discharge (NICE NG225). Complete a psychosocial assessment, agree a safety plan, remove access to means and arrange follow-up.

SAD PERSONS 7–10 7–10

Highest of Patterson's four categories.

→ Do not use the score to decide admission or discharge (NICE NG225). Complete a psychosocial assessment, agree a safety plan, remove access to means and arrange follow-up. Seek urgent mental health assessment.

Interpretation bands for the SAD PERSONS Scale. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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