A 29-year-old woman with bipolar disorder scored 3 on the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). What does this score indicate?

Choice A reason: A score of 3 on the SBQ-R falls below the clinical cutoff for significant suicide risk, which is typically 7 or higher in adult populations. This score suggests minimal risk, though clinical judgment should still guide follow-up actions based on context and history. Choice B reason: Moderate suicide risk is generally indicated by scores closer to or above the cutoff. A score of 3 does not meet this threshold and is not considered moderate risk. Choice C reason: High suicide risk is associated with scores well above the cutoff, often in the double digits. A score of 3 is too low to be classified as high risk. Choice D reason: While the score is low, it does not mean the individual is “not suicidal.” The SBQ-R captures a range of behaviors and thoughts, and even low scores may warrant attention depending on clinical context. Therefore, “minimal risk” is a more accurate classification than “not suicidal.”