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A review of diagnostic tools for screening individuals in suicidal crisis

Dorota Turska-Czyż1, Paweł Dębski2, Monika Garczarczyk3,4, Piotr Gorczyca2

Affiliacja i adres do korespondencji
Psychiatr Psychol Klin 2026; 26 (1)
10.15557/PiPK.2026.0009
Streszczenie

The objective of this paper is to present statistically validated diagnostic tools available in Poland for the clinical assessment of suicidal risk, tendencies, and inclinations. The conclusions drawn from scientific studies available in the Google Scholar database, as articulated by the authors of this article, allow for a tailored selection of tools based on the individual needs, preferences, and professional circumstances of the examiner. The described tools vary in terms of complexity and time requirements; it is important to note that some necessitate a psychology degree or the completion of specialised training, which has been indicated and elaborated upon. The choice of the assessment method remains at the discretion of the diagnostician. A comprehensive clinical assessment of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis requires exceptional attentiveness, as it often involves the need to consider and make decisions regarding the initiation, continuation, or cessation of hospitalisation. This decision can be quite challenging due to the subjective nature of the thoughts of the individual being examined, which may be difficult for the examiner to articulate. Familiarity with diagnostic tools is a key hard competency in the work of medical personnel, as their utilisation significantly facilitates the conduct of interviews, establishes a structured medical assessment, and provides the examiner with insights into the severity of the crisis or the patient’s history of suicidal attempts. It is essential to acknowledge that the questionnaires described below constitute merely a component of the diagnostic process. A comprehensive and reliable assessment of an individual’s mental state necessitates that the examiner first establishes a positive rapport with the participant, grounded in an understanding of the individual’s current condition and sensitivity to their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.

Słowa kluczowe
suicide, tools for assisting the diagnosis of suicidal tendencies, suicide crisis