SIBAT-A Computerized Assessment Tool for Suicide Ideation and Behavior: Development and Psychometric Properties

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Current assessments for suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) often rely on single-rater data, lack detail on patient-specific drivers, and cannot detect rapid changes.
• Existing methods frequently omit semistructured interviews, leading to increased rater variability in SIB assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Suicide Ideation and Behavior Assessment Tool (SIBAT), designed to overcome the limitations of current SIB assessment methods.
• To present the development and psychometric validation of the SIBAT.

Main Methods:

• The SIBAT was developed over four years by over 30 experts, incorporating input from patients, clinicians, and regulatory authorities in the US and Europe.
• The tool features eight independent, computer-based modules for patient and clinician ratings, including a semistructured interview and risk assessment.
• Cognitive interviews with diverse participants informed the final SIBAT version, which underwent psychometric evaluation.

Main Results:

• Psychometric testing demonstrated good inter-rater reliability (intraclass coefficient range: 0.68-0.82) and intra-rater reliability (weighted-kappa range: 0.64-0.76).
• The SIBAT showed concurrent validity with other instruments used for assessing SIB.
• The tool integrates patient-reported data with clinician assessment and interviews.

Conclusions:

• The SIBAT provides a reliable and valid method for assessing SIB in both adolescents and adults.
• The tool's comprehensive approach, combining patient and clinician input, supports effective suicide risk assessment and management.