What best describes the concept of a suicidal ideation continuum?

The concept of a suicidal ideation continuum reflects a range of thoughts about suicide, encompassing everything from fleeting thoughts of death to having a detailed plan for committing suicide. This continuum recognizes that individuals may experience varying degrees of suicidal thoughts, rather than a binary classification of either being suicidal or not. It is essential for assessing suicide risk that healthcare providers understand this range, as it can influence the level of intervention and support an individual may need.

Options that suggest a fixed point of concern or limit the discussion to only those who have attempted suicide do not adequately capture the dynamic nature of suicidal ideation. Additionally, while recognizing that thoughts can fluctuate is relevant to the continuum, it does not fully encapsulate the breadth of the concept, which is best characterized by its range from vague thoughts to specific plans.