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Depression & Suicide Risk Assessment

Take a history from a patient with symptoms of depression and practice the critical skill of directly assessing for suicide risk.

  1. 1
    Briefing
  2. 2
    Simulation
  3. 3
    Feedback

How This Works

This is an interactive phone call simulation. You'll speak with Alex in a realistic clinical communication scenario.

1. Start Call

Click "Start Call" when you're ready. Speak naturally as you would on a real call.

2. Have the Conversation

10 minutes to complete the call. The AI responds in real-time to what you say.

3. Get Feedback

End the call when finished. You'll receive AI-powered feedback on your communication.

💡 Tip: Speak clearly and at a natural pace. If you need a moment to think, it's okay to pause briefly - just as you would in a real conversation.

Briefing Details

1. Learning: The Suicide Risk Assessment

Purpose of this Scenario

This scenario focuses on two core skills in mental health: screening for depression and, most critically, directly assessing for suicide risk. Many providers feel uncomfortable asking about suicide, fearing it will "plant the idea." Research shows this is false. Directly asking about self-harm is a life-saving intervention and an essential skill for all clinicians.

Framework for Assessment

Screening for Depression (SIGECAPS Mnemonic):

  • Sleep: Changes in sleep patterns (more or less).
  • Interest: Loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia).
  • Guilt: Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
  • Energy: Fatigue or loss of energy.
  • Concentration: Diminished ability to think or concentrate.
  • Appetite: Changes in appetite or weight.
  • Psychomotor: Agitation or retardation (slowing down).
  • Suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Assessing Suicide Risk (Ideation, Plan, Intent):

  1. Normalize and Ask Directly (Ideation): "Sometimes when people feel as down as you're describing, they have thoughts of harming themselves. Have you had any thoughts like that?"
  2. Ask About a Plan: If yes, "Have you thought about how you might do it?"
  3. Ask About Intent: "How likely are you to act on these thoughts?"

2. Scenario Briefing: The Patient Who is "Just Tired"

Your Objective

Your objective is to have a conversation with Alex, a 28-year-old presenting with vague symptoms of fatigue and sadness. You must use a structured approach to screen for Major Depressive Disorder and, based on the results, perform a direct and compassionate suicide risk assessment.

Patient Background

Alex is a 28-year-old who comes to your primary care clinic because "I've just been feeling down and tired for a few months."

Crucial Information: Alex will not volunteer any information about self-harm. You, the clinician, MUST ask the question directly. This is the most critical step of the entire scenario.

Learning Objectives

Optional prep details

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Optional Pre-Call Knowledge Check

Optional self-check before you start

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After completing this scenario, you will be able to:

  • Conduct a focused history for a patient presenting with depressive symptoms using a structured approach.
  • Directly assess a patient for suicidal ideation, intent, and plan using non-judgmental language.
  • Identify key risk factors and protective factors associated with suicide.

A clinician is hesitant to ask a patient directly about suicidal thoughts, fearing it might "plant the idea." What does current evidence show about this concern?

When assessing a patient for suicide risk, which of the following is the most critical element to inquire about after confirming suicidal ideation?