What does C-SSRS interrupted attempt differentiation assess?

The C-SSRS (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) interrupted attempt differentiation specifically assesses whether an individual initiated an act that would have resulted in suicide but was interrupted before it could be completed. This aspect is crucial in understanding the context and severity of an individual's suicidal behavior. Identifying interrupted attempts can highlight the individual’s experience during the suicidal episode, such as the presence of intent to die or external factors that intervened. Recognizing such attempts provides valuable information for risk assessment and can inform treatment approaches.

In contrast, other elements such as intent to die are broader assessments and might not capture the nuance of action versus intent. Hopelessness and history of depression relate to underlying psychological factors that contribute to suicidality but do not specifically address the phenomenon of an interrupted attempt itself. Therefore, the focus on whether an individual started to end their life but was stopped is what makes this response relevant and accurate.