Suicide Risk Screening

Suicide is death that happens when someone harms themselves because they want to end their life. It is a major public health concern and is a leading cause of death in the United States and in the world. Suicide and suicide attempts can have lasting harmful effects: People who survive a suicide attempt may have serious injuries that can affect their long-term health.

They may also have depression or other mental health concerns.; When people die by suicide, it affects their family, friends, and community. They may feel grief, shock, anger, and guilt. Some may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.

They may also be at risk for suicidal thoughts.; Suicide is often preventable. A suicide risk screening can help determine how likely it is that someone will attempt suicide. During most screenings, a health care provider will ask some questions about behavior and feelings.

There are specific questions and guidelines that providers can use. These are known as suicide risk assessment tools. If you or a loved one is found to be at risk for suicide, medical, psychological, and emotional support are available and can help avoid a tragic outcome.

Why this test is done

You or a loved one may need a suicide risk screening if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Feeling hopeless and/or trapped
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Having extreme mood swings
• Having increased anxiety
• Withdrawing from social situations or wanting to be alone
• A change in eating and/or sleeping habits

A suicide risk screening can be very helpful for people with these warning signs and risk factors. Other warning signs may indicate that someone is at immediate risk for suicide. They include:

• Talking about suicide or wanting to die
• Searching online for ways to end your life, getting a gun, or stockpiling medicines such as sleeping pills or pain medicines
• Talking about having no reason to live

If you or a loved one have any of these warning signs, seek help right away. If there is an immediate life-threatening situation, call 911. Otherwise contact a mental health provider or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

You may also need a screening if you have certain risk factors. You may be more likely to try to harm yourself if you:

• Have attempted suicide before
• Have a mental health disorder such as depression, another mood disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Have a chronic illness and/or chronic pain
• Have legal problems
• Have lost your job
• Have financial problems
• Have trouble in or recently lost a relationship
• Are being bullied
• Have a history of suicide in your family
• Have a history of trauma or abuse
• Have a history of substance or alcohol use disorder

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for this screening.

Other names for this test

suicide risk assessment