Efficacy of a suicide detection scale in determining lethality of ideation among hospitalized veterans: a case study

Active suicidal ideation, its underlying psychopathology, concomitant stressors, and ultimate self-destructive behaviors can compromise the combat readiness of the military. An investigation into the clinical utility of a pre-suicidal detection scale (Suicide Probability Scale (SPS] was recently undertaken at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia. A record review of 1,397 patients who were administered the SPS was conducted. Data indicate that 100% of a sample of patients were accurately identified as either imminently or chronically suicidal. The incidence of false negatives was 50%. Results suggest that while the SPS appears to accurately identify patients who have potentially dangerous levels of suicidal ideation, it does not adequately determine lethality or chronicity of suicidal ideation without intent. Potential uses of the SPS are discussed, military health care environments in which its use may be warranted are considered, and future directions are examined.