Test claims to identify suicide risk

Researchers at NUI Maynooth have developed a computer-based system which they say can identify those at risk of suicide.

The test, which claims a 75 per cent accuracy in identifying people with suicidal thoughts, is designed for use in hospital settings.

The system, called the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, requires participants to confirm or reject statements under time pressure. Reaction times are tracked and passed through a computer algorithm designed to uncover unconscious attitudes or bias that are used to predict actual behaviour.

"The task uses tiny reaction-time biases to reveal unconscious attitudes and intentions. It can pick up on things that the individual themselves might not be aware of. This makes it ideal to study self-harmful and suicidal behaviour," says researcher Ian Hussey.

While research to date has been encouraging, says Prof Barnes-Holmes, the system is a prototype and further research is needed.