A pre-existing anxiety disorder significantly increases the risk of a subsequent onset of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, according to a study in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are strong risk factors for completed suicides, according to background information in the article. Mood disorders such as depression, substance abuse disorders and schizophrenia are well established risk factors for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts but, the authors suggest, because anxiety disorders often co-exist with these mental disorders, the impact of anxiety disorders on risk for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts has been difficult to assess.
Jitender Sareen, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., of the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, and colleagues analyzed data from interviews of a random sampling of people from the Netherlands to determine whether anxiety disorders are risk factors for subsequent suicidal thoughts or attempts. In two follow up assessments, one year and three years following the baseline interview, the researchers examined whether anxiety disorders at baseline were associated with incidence of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.