JUHNKE’S ADAPTED-SAD PERSONS SUICIDE ASSESSMENT SCALE

Gerald A. Juhnke, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, MAC, ACSProfessor The University of Texas at San AntonioACA Fellow

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint, the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr.

Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent from Dr. Juhnke.

Adapted-SAD PERSONS Suicide Assessment ScaleAdapted-SAD

PERSONS SCALE

Published:Juhnke, G. A. (1996). The

Adapted SAD PERSONS: A suicide assessment scale designed for use with children. Elementary School Guidance & Counseling, 30, 252-258.

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint, the

Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the

property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

A-SAD PERSONS

10 Risk Factors

Maximum Score = 100

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

Each risk factor can have a score between “zero” meaning a total absence of a risk factor to “10” indicating a “robust presence” of a risk factor.

A-SAD PERSONS

Sex (Males =10)

Age (15-17 =10; 13-14 =9; 12-10 =8; 9=7; 8 or less= 6 or less points)

Depression (0-10)

Previous attempt (0-10)

Ethanol/Drug abuse (0-10)

Rational thinking loss (0-10)

Suicidal modeling (0-10)

Organized suicide plan (0-10)

Negligent parenting/significant family stressor (0-10)

School Problems (0-10)

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

Clinical Action Guidelines**Total Points Proposed Actions 0-29 Encourage participation in

counseling 30-49 Strongly encourage counseling:

follow up 50-69 Strongly consider evaluation for

hospitalization depending upon confidence in follow up arrangements

70-100 Direct interventions are warranted; hospital evaluation should be conducted; contact child protective services IF necessary

** Always consult; these are merely ‘general guidelines’ for you to consider in consultation with a mental health treatment team

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint, the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr.

Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent from Dr. Juhnke.

Scores 0 to 9

Suggests Great Incongruence between mother’s/counselor’s original concerns and client’s presented responses

Lack of Counselor’s Original Clinical Judgment or

Client is falsely presenting self

Likely “suspect” responses

Student attempting to present self in a most positive –nonsuicidal manner

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

Scores 0 to 9

Consult clinical supervisor and professional colleagues

Rule out further assessment needs

Provide information to student regarding available services

Describe available services (help line, 911) should mother or youth perceive greater suicide risk.

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

10 to 29 Points

Assess immediate danger to self and others

Find out “WHY/WHY NOT” family members believe youth is or is not suicidal.

Encourage opportunities for continued contacts to monitor and potential for brief counseling

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

Scores 30 to 49 Assess immediate danger to self and

others

Counseling and follow-up counseling offered and strongly encouraged

Document WHY family members believe client is not perceived to be at risk

Document WHY family members believe client is at risk

Rule out additional psychological testing

Identify “SAFETY STEPS” Parents and family can implement if they believe youth becomes a danger.

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

Scores 30 to 49

Establish no harm contract

Review records to determine if a previous suicide or mental health history exists

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint, the

Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly

prohibited without written consent from Dr. Juhnke.

50 to 69 Points

This youth is indicating distress and is reporting concerns and significant potential for self-harm Counseling with Close follow-up

required

Collaborative meeting with parents

Formalized testing warranted

Rule out a restricted living environment depending upon Youth and parent’s willingness to

participate

Supportive family and school environment

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.

70 or more points

Evaluation for immediate hospitalization should be conducted and depending upon outcome a restricted living environment should likely be required

Intensive counseling and family counseling

Intensive psychological assessment required

Contact child protective services IF necessary

The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint, the

Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly

prohibited without written consent from Dr. Juhnke.

THANK YOU!The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of these materials including the PowerPoint,

the Adapted-Suicide Probability Scale, and the SCATTT are the are the property of Dr. Juhnke and strictly prohibited without written consent

from Dr. Juhnke.