A SAD PERSONS score of 7-10 indicates what level of suicide risk?

A SAD PERSONS score ranging from 7 to 10 indicates a high level of suicide risk. The SAD PERSONS scale is a widely utilized tool in psychiatric practice to assess an individual's risk of suicide based on specific criteria, which include Sex, Age, Depression, Previous Attempts, Ethanol Abuse, Rational Thinking Loss, Social Support Lacking, Organized Plan, No Spouse, and Sickness.

When the score is in the higher range of 7 to 10, it reflects multiple risk factors that strongly correlate with an increased risk of suicidal behavior. This range suggests significant emotional distress and may indicate the need for immediate intervention, thorough evaluation, and possibly referral to a mental health professional. The scoring system helps clinicians determine the urgency of the situation and decide on the appropriate level of care and intervention necessary for the individual.

In contrast, lower scores would indicate a lower risk, emphasizing the importance of understanding the scoring system in assessing risk levels effectively.