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Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in panic disorder and attacks
M M Weissman1, G L Klerman, J S Markowitz
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10032.
The New England Journal of Medicine
|November 2, 1989
Summary
Panic disorder and panic attacks significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Healthcare providers should screen for these risks in patients presenting with panic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Panic disorder affects 1.5% of the population with recurrent intense fear episodes.
- Panic attacks are more prevalent and mimic other medical conditions, leading to frequent healthcare use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in individuals with panic disorder and panic attacks.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 18,011 adults from five U.S. communities was studied.
- Risk was assessed by comparing individuals with panic disorder/attacks to those with other psychiatric disorders and no psychiatric disorders.
Main Results:
- Panic disorder was associated with significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts (OR=2.62 vs. other psychiatric disorders; OR=17.99 vs. no psychiatric disorder).
- Twenty percent of individuals with panic disorder and 12% with panic attacks reported suicide attempts.
- These associations remained significant even when controlling for major depression and substance abuse.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder and panic attacks are linked to a substantially increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.
- Physicians in general medical and emergency settings should be vigilant for these risks in patients with panic symptoms.