Citation

Warden S, Spiwak R, Sareen J, Bolton JM. Arch. Suicide Res. 2014; 18(4): 313-326.

Affiliation

a Department of Psychiatry , University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , Manitoba , Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2013.824829

PMID

24884399

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The SAD PERSONS scale (SPS) is widely used for suicide risk assessment in clinical and educational settings. The study objective was to systematically review the SPS performance in clinical situations.

METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases. Relevant descriptive, quality, and outcome data were reviewed.

RESULTS:148 studies were identified in the search. 9 studies met inclusion criteria. Included studies were highly variable across outcome measures, populations, and assessment methods. Three studies examined SPS performance in predicting suicide outcomes; none showed the scale accurately predicted suicidal behavior.

CONCLUSION: Available literature is of limited quality and quantity. Insufficient evidence exists to support SPS use in assessment or prediction of suicidal behavior. Well-designed studies that address the observed limitations are required.

Language: en