SAD PERSONS scale
S- Sex:  1 if male; 0 if female; (more females attempt, more males succeed)
A – Age: 1 if under 45 or over 65
D – Depression: 1 if depression is present
P – Previous attempt: 1 if present
E –Ethanol abuse: 1 if present
R – Rational thinking loss: 1 if present
S – Social Supports Lacking: 
O – Organized Plan: 1 if plan is made and lethal
N – No Spouse: 1 if divorced, widowed, separated, or single
S - Sickness: 1 if chronic, debilitating, and severe
Guidelines for action with the SAD PERSONS scale	
Total points	 Proposed clinical action	
 
0 to 2	 
Send home with follow-up	
 
3 to 4	 
Close follow-up; consider hospitalization	

5 to 6	 
Strongly consider hospitalization, depending on confidence in the follow-up arrangement	
 
7 to 10	 
Hospitalize or commit