Decision Rule - SAD PERSONS Score

SAD PERSONS Score:

-Sex = male [0 points/1 point]
-Age <19 or >45 years [0 points/1 point]
-Depressed symptoms [0 points/2 points]

-Past psychiatric history or suicide attempts [0 points/1 point]
-ETOH/drug use history [0 points/1 point]
-Rational thought loss [0 points/2 points]
-Separated, divorced or widowed or sickness with 3 or more prescription medications [0 points/1 point]
-Organized plan or serious attempt [0 points/2 points]
-No social support [0 points/1 point]
-Stated intent (or ambivalence) [0 points/2 points]

Note: This score was originally developed by Hockberger and Rothstein at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in 1988, as a scoring tool to predict the need for hospitalization in individuals at risk for suicide. After analysis of 119 patients, Hockberger and Rothsetin identified a score ≥ 6 as having a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 71% for predicting the need for psychiatry directed hospitalization (P<0.001).

This should not be used as your sole justification in determining someone does or doesn't need to be admitted.  This is most useful as a way of remembering suicidal risk factors, and for making a case in documentation for admission.  It is especially helpful for newer students and residents to remember and organize the questions they will ask as part of medical clearance of a suicidal patient.  It is included as a "Decision Rule" for ease of organizing it as a template on this site, even though it does not perfectly fit that description.

http://www.emdocs.net/emergency-department-tips-tricks-managing-suicidal-patient/

-