BSS
Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS)
The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) is a clinical tool used to assess the severity of suicidal thoughts in people at risk. It is a clinician-administered instrument that detects the presence and intensity of suicidal ideation, as well as the attitudes, behaviors, and intentions associated with suicidal thinking, in order to support diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
- Number of questions
- 21 questions
- Estimated duration
- 10 minutes
- Language
- English
- Original name
- Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation
- Target audience
- Adults, adolescents
- Authors
- Aaron T. Beck, Robert A. Steer, Gregory K. Brown (1979)
- Category
- Depression
Preview of the 21 questions
Scoring & interpretation
Each item is scored from 0 to 2, for a total score ranging from 0 to 38 (the first two items serve as screening items). A high score indicates more pronounced suicidal ideation. Only patients who endorsed one of the first two questions continue with the scale. Scores must be interpreted in light of the clinical context.
Usage
This tool isn't available on Mentaal. To use this questionnaire in your practice, you need a valid license. We invite you to send it directly from the publisher's website.
Available alternatives
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