Suicide risk assessment includes evaluating which factors?

• A. Ideation, intent, plan, access to means, previous attempts, and protective factors
• B. Previous attempts
• C. Ideation only
• D. Plan only

Answer: (C)

Assessing suicide risk requires looking at several interrelated factors, not just what someone is thinking. Ideation is important, but risk level hinges on whether there is intent to act, whether there is a concrete plan, and how imminent that plan might be. Access to means increases the immediacy and potential lethality of any plan. A history of previous attempts elevates overall risk, while protective factors—such as strong supports, coping skills, and reasons for living—can reduce that risk. Putting all these pieces together gives a fuller picture of danger and guides appropriate intervention. Focusing on ideation alone misses critical elements that determine how imminent or severe the risk is, and focusing on only one component (like prior attempts or plan alone) fails to capture the current context and potential for action.