Suicidal Impulse Attack Scale (SIAS)

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

About the SIASA close up of text on a white background

The Suicidal Impulse Attack Scale (SIAS) assesses the components of a suicidal impulse attack. These components are the:

1. need or impulse for the patients to kill oneself sooner rather than later

2. need or impulse for the patients to plan to kill oneself sooner rather than later

3. patients’ thoughts about killing oneself or of being better off dead

4. associated physical symptoms

A closeup of text on a white backgroundClinical and Research Use

The SIAS is specifically designed for use as a very brief measure of components within a suicidal impulse attack. Because the suicidal impulse attack events are relatively brief compared to chronic suicidality, an instrument is needed to quickly measure these events over very short periods of time in anti-suicidality impulse attack treatments.

The primary application of the SIAS is most likely to be in Impulse Attack Suicidality Disorder (IASD). However, it may have value in the acute tracking of other suicidality disorders. It allows a clinician to determine if a patient with IASD is responding to treatment.

Emergency room or crisis center staff can use the SIAS frequently (every 15 minutes or hour) to monitor the suicidality severity.

For any scientific questions relating to the SIAS, 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 SIAS (click here)

To purchase and download a watermarked, preview copy of the SIAS (click here)

License Agreement for Use of the SIAS

Dr. Sheehan and Jennifer M. Giddens license the SIAS 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 SIAS 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. For more information about licensing please email davidVsheehan@gmail.com

Sheehan & Giddens Mapping Tables Scoring Form (click here)

Training for the SIAS

For information about training on the SIAS, 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 SIAS

For information about translations of the SIAS, please contact: translations@harmresearch.org

How to Cite the SIAS

Use the following citations in referencing the SIAS:

1. Sheehan DV, Giddens JM. (2015). Suicidality: A Roadmap for Assessment and Treatment. (1st ed.). Tampa, FL: Harm Research Press. Nov. 2015 (Available from: https://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: https://HarmResearch.org) ISBN: 978-0-9969729-1-8