Tampa – Classification Algorithm for Suicidality Assessment (T-CASA)

About the T-CASA
Related Documents
License Agreement for Use of the T-CASA
Training for the T-CASA
Translations and Linguistic Validation of the T-CASA
How to Cite the T-CASA


About the T-CASAA close up of text on a white background

Suicidality phenomena, suicidality events, and suicidality disorders are not the same things, should not be confused with each other, and need to be measured separately from each other.  The Tampa – Classification Algorithm for Suicidality Assessment (T-CASA) was designed to capture the details about events of suicidality.

Measuring suicidality events with precision is useful in several situations.  For example, when doing neuroimaging studies researchers may need to know very specifically which type of suicidality event and its related phenomena that the patient experienced during the functional neuroimaging.  We suspect that the neuroimage of a patient having an unexpected suicidal impulse attack will look different from a neuroimage of a patient experiencing a suicidal delusion.  Both of these would likely be different from a neuroimage of a patient having suicidality as a later consequence of Major Depressive Disorder (a mood disorder).

A close up of text on a white backgroundA medication that increases the frequency of treatment emergent suicidality events of one type, may improve another type of suicidality event.  For example, an antidepressant that effectively reduces suicidality as a later consequence of Major Depressive Disorder in an elderly subject is likely to be associated with an increase in the frequency of up-switches in unexpected suicidal impulse attacks in patients with Impulse Attack Suicidality Disorder.  (See chapter 12.2 in Sheehan DV, Giddens JM. (2015). Suicidality: A Roadmap for Assessment and Treatment. (1st ed.). Tampa, FL: Harm Research Press.)  Using the T-CASA system, regulatory agencies may be able to detect the worsening of one type of suicidality event in some subjects, while at the same time they see an improvement in another type of suicidality event in other subjects on the same treatment.

This data can be elicited from the patient using the T-CASA Structured Interview and can be documented and tracked over time using the T-CASA Tracking Logs.  For compatibility with the Sheehan & Giddens Suicidality Phenomena Definitions across scales / assessments, use the T-CASA to S&G Phenomena Definitions Mapping Tables Scoring Forms.

For any scientific questions relating to the T-CASA, contact David V Sheehan MD MBA at davidVsheehan@gmail.com or Jennifer M Giddens at jennifermgiddens@gmail.com

To view a watermarked, preview copy of the  T-CASA (click here)

To purchase and download a watermarked, preview copy of the T-CASA (click here)


Structured Interview (click here)

Sheehan & Giddens Mapping Tables Scoring Forms (click here)

Tracking Logs (click here)


License Agreement for Use of the T-CASA

Dr. Sheehan and Jennifer M. Giddens license the T-CASA 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 T-CASA there is a charge of $2 per use in a single administration (not per patient enrolled). The amount must be paid in full before study initiation.   (click here to download this license agreement)


Training for the T-CASA

For information about training on the T-CASA, please contact davidVsheehan@gmail.com or jenniferMgiddens@gmail.com

Jennifer M. Giddens does not authorize anyone to provide training to others on their scales, structured interviews, or classifications 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 T-CASA

For information about translations of the T-CASA, please contact: translations@harmresearch.org


How to Cite the T-CASA

Use the following citations in referencing the T-CASA:

1. 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

2. 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