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.
For professional reference, research, and education only. Not for diagnosis or medical advice.
SIDAS Score Interpreter
Enter a total score to see its range.
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.
The SIDAS (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale) is a 5-item self-report scale that measures the severity of suicidal ideation over the past month. It was developed and validated in Australia as a brief, web-based measure, and scores of 21 or more indicated high risk of suicidal behaviour [1].
Where does the SIDAS come from?
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 does the SIDAS measure?
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 do you give the SIDAS?
The SIDAS is a self-report questionnaire designed for web-based use [1], 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.
- When. Give it at intake when suicidal ideation is disclosed or suspected, and repeat it during active monitoring or safety planning.
- Review. Always have a clinician review the responses, and have a safety protocol in place before using it.
- Alongside. Pair it with a structured risk assessment such as the C-SSRS and a depression measure such as the PHQ-9.
How do you score and interpret the SIDAS?
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
- Development study. In an online survey of 1,352 Australian adults, the SIDAS showed high internal consistency and good convergent validity. Frequency and controllability of thoughts were more strongly associated with suicide plans and attempts than other attributes, and scores of 21 or more indicated high risk of suicidal behaviour [1].
- Psychosis. 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 [2].
- Population research. A systematic review identified it as one of three brief self-report measures meeting all criteria for population-based research [3].
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.
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.
Related
Billing
In the US, the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) is usually billed under these CPT codes. Payer rules vary.
- First published
- 2014
- Terms
- No permission required; cite the reference.
Assessments
FAQ
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 2014 validation study 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
© 2014 Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University. No permission required; cite the reference.
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