Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS)
The SIDAS is a 5-item self-report tool used to assess the severity and functional impact of suicidal thoughts. It was developed to support early identification and risk monitoring in community and clinical settings, particularly among individuals experiencing depression or distress. The Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) is an assessment tool designed to measure the severity of suicidal thoughts. It is intended for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and is useful for mental health professionals to evaluate risk levels and plan interventions.
SIDAS Score Interpreter
Score ≥21 was associated with elevated risk of suicide planning and attempts in the validation sample. Immediate clinical review is indicated.
5 items rated 0–10 each; total 0–50. Higher scores indicate greater ideation severity.
| Total score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 21+ | High severityScore ≥21 was associated with elevated risk of suicide planning and attempts in the validation sample. Immediate clinical review is indicated. |
| 1–20 | Low–moderate ideationSome suicidal ideation present. Any non-zero score warrants clinician follow-up based on clinical context and safety protocols. |
| 0–0 | No ideation reportedNo suicidal ideation reported in the past month. Continue routine monitoring as clinically indicated. |
van Spijker BAJ et al. (2014). Suicide Life Threat Behav. Cutoff ≥21 per original validation study. Educational reference only — not a diagnostic tool.
About the SIDAS
The Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) was developed by researchers in Australia to offer a brief yet sensitive measure of suicidal thinking. Unlike single-item suicide screeners, the SIDAS captures not just the presence but also the frequency, controllability, closeness to attempt, distress, and interference with daily life of suicidal thoughts over the past 30 days.
It is most appropriate for individuals with some insight and willingness to engage in self-reflection.
Psychometric Properties
The SIDAS demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and convergent validity with other measures of suicidality and depression. It has been validated in large community and mental health samples.
- Total score range: 0–50
- Cutoff: A score ≥21 indicates high suicidal ideation severity
- Strong predictive validity for suicide planning and risk of attempt
Source: van Spijker et al., 2014
The Scale
The SIDAS includes 5 questions, each rated on a scale from 0 to 10. Items cover:
- Frequency of suicidal thoughts
- Controllability of thoughts
- Closeness to attempting suicide
- Distress associated with thoughts
- Impact on daily functioning
Example item: “In the past month, how often have you had thoughts about suicide?”
Score Range
- 0–20: Low ideation
- 21–50: High severity; further clinical assessment recommended
Any non-zero score should prompt clinician follow-up based on clinical context and safety protocols.
References
- 1.van Spijker BAJ, Batterham PJ, Calear AL, Farrer L, Christensen H, Reynolds J, Kerkhof AJFM. The suicidal ideation attributes scale (SIDAS): community-based validation study of a new scale for the measurement of suicidal ideation. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2014;44(4):408-19.View source
- 2.Harris K, Haddock G, Peters S, Gooding P. Psychometric properties of the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) in a longitudinal sample of people experiencing non-affective psychosis. BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):628.View source
- 3.Batterham PJ, Ftanou M, Pirkis J, Brewer JL, Mackinnon AJ, Beautrais A, Fairweather-Schmidt AK, Christensen H. A systematic review and evaluation of measures for suicidal ideation and behaviors in population-based research. Psychol Assess. 2015;27(2):501-12.View source
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the SIDAS scored?
The SIDAS contains 5 items, each rated on a 0–10 scale, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater severity of suicidal ideation. Items cover the frequency, controllability, closeness to an attempt, associated distress, and interference with daily functioning of suicidal thoughts in the past month.
What does a SIDAS score of 21 or higher mean?
A score of 21 or above indicates high suicidal ideation severity and is associated with elevated risk of suicidal behaviour, including planning and attempts. The original validation study (van Spijker et al., 2014) identified this threshold in a community sample of Australian adults. A score at or above this level warrants prompt clinical review and, where appropriate, implementation of a safety plan.
Is the SIDAS self-report or clinician-administered?
The SIDAS is a self-report scale. It was specifically designed for web-based and remote administration, making it suitable for use in digital mental health platforms and routine outcome monitoring. It is not a clinician-administered interview; results should always be interpreted alongside a full clinical assessment.
Can the SIDAS diagnose suicidality or replace a clinical risk assessment?
No. The SIDAS is a severity-monitoring tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It does not replace a comprehensive clinical risk assessment or structured suicide risk interview. Any non-zero score should be followed by clinician review, and the scale is intended to complement — not substitute for — clinical judgment.
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