Validation of SAD PERSONS Scale in Thai Tertiary Context

Objective: To examine the validity of the SAD PERSONS scale (SPS) and item analysis in a Thai tertiary setting.Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty-six inpatients were recruited from a psychiatric ward. Patients were interviewed by a consultant psychiatrist and assessed a variety of suicide risk factors. The SPS was blindly performed by a psychiatric resident. The psychometric properties of SPS was executed by comparing the assessment results.Results: A cut-off point of SPS was at 2/3 in assessing current high suicide risk with the sensitivity 79.0% and specificity 35.0%. While the specificity of cut-off point 4/5 was greater than 90.0%, sensitivity was only 27.0%. Parameters that correlated the high risk of suicide were only depression and statement of future suicide intent.Conclusion: For the purpose of suicide prevention, a sensitivity of screening scale is essential. SPS failed to identify the majority of those requiring high intensity psychological intervention though it shows the high specificity of suicide risk. The instrument should not be applied to screen self-harm patients presenting to general hospitals.