High SAD PERSONS scale scores are associated with subsequent psychiatric admission after suicide attempts: A single-center retrospective study.

Abstract

Aim: The SAD PERSONS scale (SPS) assesses the risk of future suicide attempts; however, its utility in patients with severe physical injuries is unclear. This study explored the association between high SPS scores and subsequent psychiatric admission (SPA) among patients transported to a tertiary emergency center following suicide attempts.

Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study included patients transported to our tertiary emergency center between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. Patients were enrolled based on their scores on the SPS: ≥5 points (High SPS group) or <5 points (Low SPS group). The primary outcome was SPA; the secondary outcomes were physical complications, length of stay in the emergency department, involuntary psychiatric admission, and re-suicide attempts in the general ward.

Results: Of 199 patients, 58 (29.1%) were in the High SPS group and 141 (70.9%) in the Low SPS group, with 67 SPA and 61 involuntary admissions. The High SPS group had significantly higher SPA than the Low SPS group (67.2% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.01). Physical complications, length of stay in the emergency department, and involuntary psychiatric admissions were significantly higher in the High SPS group than in the Low SPS group. Re-suicide attempts in the general ward did not significantly increase. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that an SPS score of ≥5 points was significantly associated with SPA (odds ratio 6.97; 95% confidence interval, 2.85-17.1; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: High SPS scores are associated with SPA. This finding helps emergency physicians predict psychiatric consultations and admission.