Interactive Suicide Intent Scale (SIS)

Suicide Intent Scale (SIS)

Interview the patient about their most recent suicide attempt to reliably code the objective circumstances and subjective perceptions. Select the option that best describes the patient’s state for each item below. The total score (items 1-15) updates automatically.

I. Objective Circumstances Related to Suicide Attempt

1. Isolation

Somebody present 0
Somebody nearby, or in visual or vocal contact 1
No one nearby or in visual or vocal contact 2

2. Timing

Intervention is probable 0
Intervention is not likely 1
Intervention in highly unlikely 2

3. Precautions against Discovery/Intervention

No precautions 0
Passive precautions (avoiding others but doing nothing to prevent intervention; alone in room with unlocked door) 1
Active precautions (locked door) 2

4. Acting to Get Help During/After Attempt

Notified potential helper regarding attempt 0
Contacted but did not specifically notify potential helper regarding attempt 1
Did not contact or notify potential helper 2

5. Final Acts in Anticipation of Death

(e.g., will, gifts, insurance)

None 0
Thought about or made some arrangements 1
Made definite plans or completed arrangements 2

6. Active Preparation for Attempt

None 0
Minimal to moderate 1
Extensive 2

7. Suicide Note

Absence of note 0
Note written, but torn up; note thought about 1
Presence of note 2

8. Overt Communication of Intent Before the Attempt

None 0
Equivocal communication 1
Unequivocal communication 2

II. Self Report

9. Alleged Purpose of Attempt

To manipulate environment, get attention, revenge 0
Components of “0” and “2” 1
To escape, surcease, solve problems 2

10. Expectations of Fatality

Thought that death was unlikely 0
Thought that death was possible but not probable 1
Thought that death was probable or certain 2

11. Conception of Method’s Lethality

Did less to self than he thought would be lethal 0
Wasn’t sure if what he did would be lethal 1
Equaled or exceeded what he thought would be lethal 2

12. Seriousness of Attempt

Did not seriously attempt to end life 0
Uncertain about seriousness to end life 1
Seriously attempted to end life 2

13. Attitude Toward Living/Dying

Did not want to die 0
Components of “0” and “2” 1
Wanted to die 2

14. Conception of Medical Rescuability

Thought that death would be unlikely if he received medical attention 0
Was uncertain whether death could be averted by medical attention 1
Was certain of death even if he received medical attention 2

15. Degree of Premeditation

None; Impulsive 0
Suicide contemplated for three hours or less prior to attempt 1
Suicide contemplated for more than three hours prior to attempt 2

III. Other Aspects

(These items are for clinical information only and do NOT contribute to the total score)

16. Reaction to Attempt

Sorry about attempt; feels foolish, ashamed 0
Accepts both attempt and its failure 1
Regrets failure of attempt 2

17. Visualization of Death

Life-after-death, reunion with decedents 0
Never ending sleep, darkness, end-of-things 1
No conceptions of, or thoughts about death 2

18. Number of Previous Attempts

None 0
One or two 1
Three or more 2

19. Relationship between Alcohol Intake and Attempt

Some alcohol intake prior to but not related to attempt, reportedly not enough to impair judgment, reality testing 0
Enough alcohol intake to impair judgment, reality testing and diminish responsibility/impulse control 1
Intentional intake of alcohol in order to facilitate implementation of suicide attempt 2

20. Relationship between Drug Intake and Attempt

(Narcotics, hallucinogens, etc. drug is not the method used to suicide)

Some drug intake prior to but not related to attempt, reportedly not enough to impair judgment, reality testing 0
Enough drug intake to impair judgment, identity testing and diminish responsibility/impulse control 1
Intentional drug intake in order to facilitate implementation of suicide attempt 2

Total Suicide Intent Score (Items 1-15)

0
Higher scores indicate greater suicidal intent.
All Scales