Interpretation of pictographic express-test "Risk of suicidal actions" and additional opportunities for prevention of suicides

The article discusses the possibility of practical application of pictographic express test for diagnosis of suicidal risk. The relevance of the test to the actual behavior of the patient and availability of the suicide means indicated in the test are assessed. Recommendations to the relatives for targeted prevention (through restriction of access to these means) are suggested. The purpose of the study is to identify the most informative criteria for assessment of the express test "the Risk of suicidal actions." The research is based on data obtained from 150 randomly selected patients with a stated mental illness diagnosis. Results: It is proven that in patients with suicidal ideation (73 persons) the picto-graphic test allows to relatively accurately predict the suicide attempt method and to detect the availability of access to the mentioned means. The information obtained was confirmed by relatives in 87.6% cases. In 77 patients with less elaborated suicide ideation (the first stage on the Ambrumovа scale) the offer to fulfill the last drawing of the test led to confusion (87% cases), difficulties when drawing (93.5%), refusal to do the task (42.8%). Conclusions: The information obtained from the express test may be useful for preventing possible suicide attempts. The most informative criteria of evaluation are: experiencing confusion when performing the third picture; the content of the drawings; explanations of the subject about the content of the drawings.