Which SAD PERSONS factor indicates risk due to prior attempts?

• A. Previous suicide Attempts
• B. Age
• C. Ethanol Abuse
• D. Sex

Answer: (A)

Prior suicide attempts are the strongest predictor of future attempts. In the SAD PERSONS framework, this factor directly signals a history of self-harm, which often reflects ongoing distress, underlying psychiatric illness, and access to means. It also means risk remains high, especially in the period soon after an attempt, so safety planning and careful monitoring are crucial. Other factors like age, sex, or substance abuse indicate risk in other ways, but they don’t show a past behavior of attempt. That history of previous attempts is what makes the risk level rise most, making it the best indicator in this context.