Does The Suicide Assessment Scale Predict Risk Of Repetition? A Prospective Study Of Suicide Attempters At A Hospital Emergency Department

PURPOSE: To determine whether the modified version of the Suicide Assessment Scale (SUAS) can be utilised to predict risk of repeat suicidal behaviour. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Hundred and sixty-five patients aged 18 to 68 years who were admitted to emergency wards after a suicide attempt were interviewed. Follow-up interviews (n=96) were carried out after 2 months. Associations between SUAS scores and repeat attempt (fatal/non-fatal) during the following 3 years were analysed and the instrument's ability to predict repetition was assessed. RESULTS: High SUAS score (>30) was associated with repetition. The ability of the SUAS to correctly predict repeat suicidal behaviour in the entire study group was low (AUC=0.65, 95% CI=0.56-0.74) but better for those (n=42) who reported ongoing psychiatric treatment at follow-up (AUC=0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.94). Among the latter group, all with baseline SUAS scores >30 made repeats. CONCLUSION: The modified SUAS performed well as a screening instrument in psychiatric patients.