Anxiety disorders and suicidality in the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication

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.

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.

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.

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.