Suicidal Ideation
Also written as: SI
Thoughts about, consideration of, or preoccupation with ending one's own life, ranging from passive wishes to die to active plans with intent.
Full Definition
Suicidal ideation (SI) is a clinical term encompassing a spectrum of cognitions, from passive ('I wish I were dead') to active ('I am planning to take pills tonight'). Documentation must specify the nature of the ideation: passive or active, with or without plan, with or without intent, and with or without access to means. Editors should ensure clinicians' notes specify the type; vague documentation of 'suicidal thoughts' without qualification may be flagged for clarification. The abbreviation 'SI' is widely used in clinical notes but should be spelled out on first use in formal reports. The adjectival form 'suicidal' should not be used as a noun ('the patient is a suicidal').
Usage
Usage note: Always qualify as passive or active with plan/intent/access details. Do not use 'suicidal' as a noun. Abbreviation 'SI' acceptable after first-use expansion.
In Context
- "The intake clinician documented active suicidal ideation with a specific plan to overdose but denied access to medications at home." — Psychiatric intake assessment
- "On first use in a formal report, write out 'suicidal ideation (SI)' before using the abbreviation in subsequent mentions." — Editorial style note for psychiatric reports