Anxiety disorders and suicidality in the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication.
OBJECTIVE
The current study sought to examine the unique associations between anxiety disorders and suicidality using a large nationally representative sample and controlling for a number of established risk factors for suicide.


METHODS
Data from the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication were used for analyses. Lifetime diagnostic history and demographics were obtained in this survey through a structured interview. Lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts were also assessed.


RESULTS
Multivariate analyses covarying for psychiatric comorbidity and demographic variables found social anxiety disorder (SAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and panic disorder (PD) to be unique predictors of suicidal ideation, while only SAD, PTSD, and GAD were predictive of suicide attempts. Analyses by gender indicated that each of these four disorders were predictive of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among women, while only PTSD and PD acted as risk factors among men.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings provide further evidence of the negative impact of anxiety disorders, suggest efforts should be made towards their early detection and treatment, and emphasize the importance of suicide risk assessment in treating individuals with anxiety disorders.
Cougle
Jesse R
JR
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, P.O. Box 3064301 Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States. cougle@psy.fsu.edu
Keough
Meghan E
ME
Riccardi
Christina J
CJ
Sachs-Ericsson
Natalie
N
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012938:Social Perception; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States