Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS)

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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.

Recommended Frequency: Administer at intake when suicidal ideation is disclosed or suspected, and repeat every 1–4 weeks during active monitoring or safety planning.

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:

  1. Frequency of suicidal thoughts
  2. Controllability of thoughts
  3. Closeness to attempting suicide
  4. Distress associated with thoughts
  5. Impact on daily functioning
Example item: “In the past month, how often have you had thoughts about suicide?”

Scores are summed to provide a total score out of 50.

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.

Copyright

© 2014 Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University. Used with attribution for non-commercial purposes.

References

  1. van Spijker, B. A. J., Batterham, P. J., Calear, A. L., Farrer, L., Christensen, H., & Reynolds, J. (2014). The Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS): Community-based validation study of a new scale for the measurement of suicidal ideation. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 44(4), 408–419. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12084

Disclaimer

This summary is for informational purposes only. HiBoop does not interpret SIDAS scores or manage suicide risk. The tool should be used by trained clinicians as part of a broader suicide risk assessment protocol.

Permissions

The SIDAS is freely available for non-commercial use in research and clinical settings with appropriate citation. Permission is required for commercial use or adaptation. See Source

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it safe to use in remote settings?

    Yes—with real-time monitoring and clear escalation pathways in place, which HiBoop can support.

  • Can SIDAS results be shared with the client?

    Yes. It’s often helpful to share and discuss the meaning behind specific responses to build insight and collaborative care.

  • What’s unique about SIDAS compared to PHQ-9 item 9?

    SIDAS goes beyond presence—it explores frequency, control, distress, and functional impact, offering a much clearer risk profile.

  • Can it be used with teens?

    Yes, it has been validated for use in individuals aged 12 and older.

  • Can SIDAS be used instead of a suicide risk checklist?

    It’s more nuanced and useful for ongoing monitoring, but always pair it with clinical judgment, especially when risk is imminent.