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The association between nocturnal panic attacks and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts
Nicole S Smith1, Rachel L Martin1, Brian W Bauer1
1Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
Psychiatry Research
|August 9, 2020
Summary
Nocturnal panic attacks, occurring out of sleep, are linked to increased suicide attempts. This research differentiates panic attack types, finding nocturnal panic uniquely associated with higher suicide attempt history.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Suicidology
Background:
- Panic attacks and sleep disturbances are known suicide risk factors.
- Nocturnal panic attacks, occurring during sleep, intersect these risks.
- Previous research treated suicidality as a single construct, overlooking nuances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between nocturnal panic and distinct suicidal behaviors (ideation, plans, attempts).
- To compare nocturnal panic with daytime panic and no panic regarding suicidality.
- To expand on prior research by examining suicidality as a multi-dimensional construct.
Main Methods:
- Recruited participants from an online community sample.
- Screened participants for nocturnal and daytime panic history.
- Administered questionnaires on past suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts.
Main Results:
- Nocturnal and daytime panic groups showed similar suicidal ideation and plans, both exceeding the non-panic group.
- The nocturnal panic group reported significantly more suicide attempts than daytime and non-panic groups.
- Individuals with nocturnal panic perceived a higher likelihood of future suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
- Nocturnal panic is uniquely associated with a history of suicide attempts.
- Findings highlight the importance of differentiating panic attack types in suicide risk assessment.
- Results suggest novel avenues for suicide prevention strategies targeting nocturnal panic.
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