Computer system helps to identify suicide risk

A computer-based system which can help to identify those at risk of suicide has been developed by researchers at NUI Maynooth.

According to its department of psychology, it can correctly identify those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts with 75% accuracy.

The system, called the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), requires participants to confirm or refute statements under time pressure. Reaction times are tracked and passed through a computer algorithm which is used to reveal unconscious attitudes or biases that are used to predict actual behaviour.