Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS)
The SIDAS (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale) is a 5-item self-report questionnaire that measures the severity of suicidal thoughts over the past month, covering frequency, controllability, closeness to an attempt, distress and interference with daily life. Items are rated 0–10 for a total of 0–50, and a score of 21 or higher indicates high risk of suicidal behaviour.
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 | 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.
For reference only — not an assessment, diagnosis, or medical advice. This page provides scoring reference material; interpretation and clinical decisions rest with a qualified clinician.
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.
What the SIDAS measures
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?”
How to administer the SIDAS
The SIDAS is a self-report questionnaire designed for web-based and remote administration, so it suits digital platforms and routine outcome monitoring. The person rates each of the 5 items from 0 to 10 for the past month. Administer it at intake when suicidal ideation is disclosed or suspected and repeat it during active monitoring or safety planning; always have a clinician review the responses, and have a safety protocol in place before using it.
SIDAS scoring and interpretation
The 5 item ratings give a total of 0–50; higher scores indicate more severe suicidal ideation. Use the score interpreter above to check a total against the validated threshold.
- 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.
Psychometric properties
The SIDAS demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and convergent validity with other measures of suicidality and depression. It was developed and validated in an online survey of 1,352 Australian adults, where frequency and controllability of thoughts were the attributes most strongly associated with suicide plans and attempts (van Spijker et al., 2014). In 99 people with schizophrenia or non-affective psychosis, it showed a one-dimensional structure, high internal consistency (α = .89) and good three-month test-retest reliability (.73), and correlated highly with the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, hopelessness, defeat and entrapment (Harris et al., 2021). A systematic review identified it as one of three brief self-report measures meeting all criteria for population-based research (Batterham et al., 2015).
- 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
Limitations
- Not a risk assessment. The SIDAS measures ideation severity; it does not replace a comprehensive clinical suicide risk assessment or structured interview.
- Self-report. It depends on the person's insight and willingness to disclose; a low score does not rule out risk.
- Threshold origin. The ≥21 threshold was derived in an Australian community online sample and may perform differently in clinical or other cultural settings.
- Any non-zero score matters. Scores below 21 can still reflect clinically important ideation and need follow-up.
This library is an academic and clinical reference. A scale described here is not necessarily offered in HiBoop; each page says whether it is.
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 tool. 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.
Bill this assessment
The Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) qualifies for reimbursement under these CPT codes (US).
Using this assessment in practice
For clinicians
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For individuals
This page is a clinical reference, not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about your own symptoms, bring this information to a qualified mental health professional.
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
Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
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