Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate suicidal risk?

The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is specifically designed to assess suicidal ideation and behavior, making it the most appropriate tool for evaluating suicidal risk. This standardized assessment helps clinicians determine the severity of a patient's suicidal thoughts and actions, providing valuable insight into immediate risk levels and guiding appropriate interventions.

The C-SSRS comprises a series of questions that evaluate the intensity and frequency of suicidal thoughts, along with any past suicide attempts. By focusing on specific criteria related to suicidality, the C-SSRS offers a comprehensive evaluation that can aid healthcare providers in identifying individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide.

In contrast, other assessment tools listed serve different purposes. The Beck Depression Inventory is primarily used to assess the presence and severity of depression symptoms rather than specific risk for suicide. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia evaluates depression in individuals with cognitive impairments and is not focused explicitly on suicidal risk. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is designed to screen for cognitive impairment and does not address suicidal ideation or behaviors. This clear distinction emphasizes the C-SSRS's role as the most appropriate choice for evaluating suicidal risk.