MIRECC / CoE

Simply click on the plus (+) symbol to expand the section and read more about each selected research project. And the minus (-) to close that section.

On August 10, 2013, President Obama announced a National Research Action Plan (NRAP) designed to improve access to mental health services for veterans, service members, and military families. Focused on traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide prevention, NRAP calls for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify common data elements (CDEs) that facilitate sharing of research data.

In response to NRAP, NIMH launched the PhenX Measures for Mental Health Research Project. The goal of this project is to establish a common currency that will enable a better understanding of the etiology, progression, and treatment of suicide, PTSD, and other mental health conditions by selecting high-quality mental health–related measures and protocols for inclusion in the PhenX Toolkit. Consistent use of PhenX measures, and thus CDEs, will make it easier for investigators to compare results from different studies and to combine data sets to create larger sample sizes, increasing statistical power and the ability to detect more subtle and complex associations among variables.
From the PhenX Toolkit website accessed 12/22/2014

See the PhenX Toolkit for Mental Health Research to learn more

Brief Description:
The BSS is a 21-item scale used to assess suicidal ideation where respondents are asked to report on a 3-point scale ranging from 0 to 2. Total scores range from 0-38. The last two items refer to past suicide attempts and do not contribute to the overall score.

Objective:
Assess suicidal ideation

Format:
Self-report, multiple choice

Age:
17 and older

Forms:
English & Spanish

Type of data obtained:
quantitative

Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer clinicians must review the manual

Time required to administer:
5-10 minutes

Sample item:
Sample items cannot be reproduced

Obtain from:
http://www.pearsonassessments.com/HAIWEB/Cultures/en-us/Productdetail.htm?Pid=015-8018-443&Mode=summary

References:
Beck, A.T., Steer, R.A., & Ranieri, W.F. (1988). Scale for suicidal ideation: Psychometric properties of a self-report version. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 44, 499-505.

Brief Description:
The C-SSRS is a questionnaire used for suicide assessment

Objective:
Assess occurrences, types and severity of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior

Format:
Clinician administered interview

Type of data obtained:
Quantitative and qualitative

Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer, clinicians must complete a 30-minute interactive slide presentation followed by a question-answer session or using a DVD of the presentation

Time required to administer:
5-10 minutes

Sample item:
Items cannot be reproduced; contact Dr. Kelly Posner (kposner@childpsych.columbia.edu) for copies of the C-SSRS or permission for use

Obtain from:
http://www.cssrs.columbia.edu/

Brief Description:
The SHBQ is a self-report measure composed of four sections, each assessing different facets of suicide-related behavior.

Objective:
Assess suicidal ideation, suicide-related communications, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal behavior

Format:
Clinician administered interview

Type of data obtained:
quantitative and qualitative

Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer clinicians must review book.

Time required to administer:
10-15 minutes

Sample item:
Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? YES NO; Have you ever threatened to commit suicide? YES NO; Have you ever attempted suicide? YES NO

Obtain from:
http://www.niupress.niu.edu/niupress/scripts/book/bookResults.asp?ID=440

References:
Fliege, H., Kocalevent, R., Walter, O. B., Beck, S., Gratz, K. L., Gutierrez, P. M., & Klapp, B. F. (2006). Three assessment tools for deliberate self-harm and suicide behavior: Evaluation and psychopathological correlates. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 61(1), 113-121.

Gutierrez, P. M., Osman, A., Barrios, F. X., & Kopper, B. A. (2001). Development and initial validation of the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire. Journal of Personality Assessment, 77(3), 475-490.

Brief Description:
The LSASII is a clinician-administered interview aimed to obtain detailed information regarding lifetime nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempts. Information obtained includes intention to die, medical treatment obtained, and lethality of behavior.

Objective:
Assess lifetime nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempts

Format:
Clinician administered interview

Type of data obtained:
quantitative and qualitative

Minimal requirements for administration:
To administer clinicians must review a 2-page instruction guide.

Time required to administer:
10-15 minutes

Obtain from:
Download copy

References:
Linehan, M. M. & Comtois, K. (1996). Lifetime Parasuicide History. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, Unpublished work.

Brief Description:
The UWRAP is a risk management protocol designed to assess changes in suicidality and distress that occur following a research assessment or intervention.

Objective:
Assess overall distress, suicidal ideation and intent to engage in suicidal behavior before and after administration of an assessment or treatment protocol that occurs in the context of research. The protocol also includes a procedure for responding to suicidal risk as well as items eliciting strategies for managing any distress caused by the session.

Format:
Clinician administered

Type of data obtained:
quantitative and qualitative

Requirements for administration:
To be determined

Time required to administer:
5-10 minutes

Sample item:
On a scale of 1 to 7 what is your urge to harm yourself right now.

Obtain from:
Download copy

References:
Linehan, M.M., Comtois, K.A., Ward-Ciesielski, E.F. (2011). Assessing and Managing Risk With Suicidal Individuals, Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2010.11.008
Reynolds, S.K., Lindenboim, N., Comtois, K.A., Murray, A., & Linehan, M.M. (2006). Risky assessments: Participant suicidality and distress associated with research assessments in a treatment study of suicidal behavior. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(1), 19-34.