AAS Risk Assessment & Screening Tools 2

Question 1

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) categorizes suicidal ideation into how many levels?

Accepted Answer

5

Answer

The C-SSRS uses a 5-level ideation scale ranging from passive wish to die up to ideation with specific plan and intent.

Question 2

Which risk factor is considered a STATIC (historical) predictor of suicide rather than a dynamic one?

Accepted Answer

Prior suicide attempt

Answer

Prior suicide attempt is a static historical variable, whereas hopelessness, substance use, and means access are dynamic and can change.

Question 3

On the SAD PERSONS scale, what does the letter 'E' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Excessive alcohol use

Answer

In the SAD PERSONS mnemonic, 'E' stands for Excessive alcohol or drug use.

Question 4

A patient scores 2 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) item asking about thoughts of self-harm. This score indicates the thoughts occur:

Accepted Answer

Several days

Answer

PHQ-9 item 9 uses a 0–3 scale: 0=not at all, 1=several days, 2=more than half the days, 3=nearly every day; a score of 2 means more than half the days.

Question 5

The Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T) tool is primarily designed to:

Accepted Answer

Structure the clinical interview and document risk level

Answer

SAFE-T is a structured clinical tool that guides clinicians through risk and protective factors and documents a risk level and treatment plan.

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

AAS Risk Assessment & Screening Tools 2