Suicidality Modifiers Scale (SMS)
About the SMS
License Agreement for Use of the SMS
Related Documents
Training for the SMS
Translations and Linguistic Validation of the SMS
How to Cite the SMS
About the SMS
The Suicidality Modifiers Scale (SMS) assesses factors that can influence some domains of suicidality. It covers the domains of:
1. impulsive suicidality
2. hopelessness
3. loss of enjoyment
4. overwhelmed feeling
For each domain covered, it assesses:
1. the severity of each domain
2. the ability to experience / resist the domain
3. the loss of desire to experience / resist the domain
4. how much memories impacted the domain
5. how much events outside the patient’s control impacted the domain
6. how much events within the patient’s control impacted the domain
Use to Clinicians
The answers to items 4 through 6 above provide the clinician with information about critical target domains. This helps the clinician to understand and to assist the patient in coping with these memories and events. The SMS sometimes provided an early warning sign of impending worsening of suicidality before it became apparent in other ways. This was particularly true of question 3 – “the loss of desire to hold back the impulse to plan or to act in any suicidal way”. The change in the score on this question tended to consistently precede other changes during deterioration in a subject with Impulse Attack Suicidality Disorder. Question 3 also lagged behind improvement in other areas and was one of the last questions in that domain to fully resolve.
The SMS may be particularly helpful in assessing impulsive suicidality and hopelessness in a way that is very sensitive to change and may provide an early warning sign of impending worsening of suicidality before it becomes apparent in other ways.
For any scientific questions relating to the SMS, contact David V Sheehan MD MBA directly by email at davidVsheehan@gmail.com or contact Jennifer M Giddens directly by email at jennifermgiddens@gmail.com
To view a watermarked, preview copy of the SMS (click here)
To purchase and download a watermarked, preview copy of the SMS (click here)
License Agreement for Use of the SMS
Dr. Sheehan and Jennifer M. Giddens license the SMS in paper format for distribution as follows : 1) in paper format for any uses; or 2) in fixed pdf form, paper form, or both for use in clinical or academic research trials or studies.
To license the SMS for use there is a charge of $1 per single administration (not per patient enrolled). The amount must be paid in full before study initiation. (click here to download this license agreement)
Related Documents
Sheehan & Giddens Mapping Tables Scoring Form (click here)
Training for the SMS
For information about training on the SMS, please contact: davidVsheehan@gmail.com or jenniferMgiddens@gmail.com
Jennifer M. Giddens does not authorize anyone to provide training to others on their scales or structured interviews who is not a licensed psychiatrist or clinical psychologist (MD or PhD) and who has not been specifically trained and authorized to provide this training to others by Jennifer M. Giddens.
Translations and Linguistic Validation of the SMS
For information about translations of the SMS, please contact: translations@harmresearch.org
How to Cite the SMS
Use the following citations in referencing the SMS:
1. Giddens, J. M., & Sheehan, D. V. (2014). The Complexity of Assessing Overall Severity of Suicidality: A Case Study. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 11(9-10), 164. PDF: http://innovationscns.epubxp.com/i/425963/164
2. Sheehan DV, Giddens JM. (2015). Suicidality: A Roadmap for Assessment and Treatment. (1st ed.). Tampa, FL: Harm Research Press. Nov. 2015 (Available from: http://HarmResearch.org) ISBN: 978-0-9969729-0-1
3. Sheehan DV, Giddens JM. (2016). Suicidality Assessment and Documentation for Healthcare Providers: A Brief, Practical Guide. (1st ed.). Tampa, FL: Harm Research Press. April 2016. (Available from: http://HarmResearch.org) ISBN: 978-0-9969729-1-8