The measures listed here are not intended to be a comprehensive list; rather they are tools which our staff frequently employs. Information on these measures is available to everyone. However, the measures should only be used by qualified mental health professionals and/or researchers. Additionally, in the context of a clinical evaluation these measures are typically used in conjunction with other measures and/or a clinical assessment, as opposed to being used as stand-alone tools.
Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS)
Brief Description:
The BSS is a 21-item scale used to assess suicidal ideation where respondents are asked to report on a 3-point scale ranging from 0 to 2. Total scores range from 0-38. The last two items refer to past suicide attempts and do not contribute to the overall score.
Objective:
Assess suicidal ideation
Format:
Self-report, multiple choice
Age:
17 and older
Forms:
English & Spanish
Type of data obtained:
quantitative
Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer clinicians must review the manual
Brief Description:
The C-SSRS is a questionnaire used for suicide assessment
Objective:
Assess occurrences, types and severity of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior
Format:
Clinician administered interview
Type of data obtained:
Quantitative and qualitative
Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer, clinicians must complete a 30-minute interactive slide presentation followed by a question-answer session or using a DVD of the presentation
Time required to administer:
5-10 minutes
Sample item:
Items cannot be reproduced; contact Dr. Kelly Posner (kposner@childpsych.columbia.edu) for copies of the C-SSRS or permission for use
Type of data obtained:
quantitative and qualitative
Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer clinicians must review book.
Time required to administer:
10-15 minutes
Sample item:
Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? YES NO; Have you ever threatened to commit suicide? YES NO; Have you ever attempted suicide? YES NO
References:
Fliege, H., Kocalevent, R., Walter, O. B., Beck, S., Gratz, K. L., Gutierrez, P. M., & Klapp, B. F. (2006). Three assessment tools for deliberate self-harm and suicide behavior: Evaluation and psychopathological correlates. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 61(1), 113-121.
Gutierrez, P. M., Osman, A., Barrios, F. X., & Kopper, B. A. (2001). Development and initial validation of the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire. Journal of Personality Assessment, 77(3), 475-490.
The Lifetime Suicide Attempt Self Injury Interview (LSASI)
Brief Description:
The LSASII is a clinician-administered interview aimed to obtain detailed information regarding lifetime nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempts. Information obtained includes intention to die, medical treatment obtained, and lethality of behavior.
Objective:
Assess lifetime nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempts
Format:
Clinician administered interview
Type of data obtained:
quantitative and qualitative
Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer clinicians must review a 2-page instruction guide.
University of Washington Risk Assessment Protocol (UWRAP)
Brief Description:
The UWRAP is a risk management protocol designed to assess changes in suicidality and distress that occur following a research assessment or intervention.
Objective:
Assess overall distress, suicidal ideation and intent to engage in suicidal behavior before and after administration of an assessment or treatment protocol that occurs in the context of research. The protocol also includes a procedure for responding to suicidal risk as well as items eliciting strategies for managing any distress caused by the session.
Format:
Clinician administered
Type of data obtained:
quantitative and qualitative
Requirements for administration:
To be determined
Time required to administer:
5-10 minutes
Sample item:
On a scale of 1 to 7 what is your urge to harm yourself right now.
References:
Linehan, M.M., Comtois, K.A., Ward-Ciesielski, E.F. (2011). Assessing and Managing Risk With Suicidal Individuals, Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2010.11.008
Reynolds, S.K., Lindenboim, N., Comtois, K.A., Murray, A., & Linehan, M.M. (2006). Risky assessments: Participant suicidality and distress associated with research assessments in a treatment study of suicidal behavior. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(1), 19-34.
