The Association Between Self-Reported Anxiety Symptoms and Suicidality

Abstract

This cross-sectional study assessed the association between self-reported anxiety symptoms and self-reported suicidality among a mixed diagnostic sample of psychiatric outpatients. Data were obtained from chart review of 2,778 outpatients who completed a routine diagnostic clinical interview and a standardized self-report of psychiatric symptoms on admission. Bivariate analyses indicated that those with >or= moderate anxiety symptoms were over three times as likely to report >or= moderate difficulty with suicidality. Self-reported anxiety symptoms were associated with a 2-fold increased likelihood of reporting suicidality after controlling for confounding (demographics, depressive symptoms, and diagnoses). These data are consistent with a growing literature demonstrating an association between anxiety symptoms and suicidality, and suggest that this association is not accounted for by coexisting mood symptoms or diagnoses. A single item, self-report may be a useful screening tool for symptoms that are pertinent to assessment of suicide risk.

Distinguishing the relevant features of frequent suicide attempters

“…The effect of anxiety on the risk of suicidal behaviours is presently under debate; even anxiety symptoms with no diagnosed anxiety disorder may increase suicidality (Diefenbach et al, 2009). However, findings are inconsistent when the suicidality associated with anxiety disorders is adjusted for comorbid mental disorders (Diefenbach et al, 2009;Placidi et al, 2000). Our results suggest that age might modulate the association of anxiety with frequent SAs, independently of any other comorbid mental disorder.…”

Social anxiety symptoms in alcohol-dependent outpatients: prevalence, severity and predictors

“…In fact, the association between anxiety symptoms/disorders and suicidality has been consistently described in the literature 56,[69][70][71][72] . Self-reported anxiety symptoms increased by 2-fold the likelihood of reporting suicidal behaviors among 2,778 psychiatric outpatients 71 .…”

“…Self-reported anxiety symptoms increased by 2-fold the likelihood of reporting suicidal behaviors among 2,778 psychiatric outpatients 71 . In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 observational studies, Kanwar et al 70 concluded that, compared to patients without anxiety, those with anxiety disorders were more likely to have suicidal ideations (OR = 2.89), attempted suicides (OR = 2.47) and completed suicides (OR = 3.34).…”

Mėginimų žudytis sąsajos su subjektyviai reikšmingais stresogeniniais veiksniais

“…Tyrimo metu vertinant subjektyviai patirtų psichotraumuojančių veiks nių sąsajas su mėginimo žudytis pobūdžiu nustatyta, kad daugiau tokio veiksmo metu nenorėjo gyventi tiriamieji, įvardiję vieną psichotrau muo jantį veiksnį, tačiau daug daugiau tiriamųjų, įvardijusių du ir daugiau psichotraumuojančius veiksnius, minčių apie savižudybę turėjo mėnesį iki mėginimo žudytis. Remdamiesi tokiais duomenimis, galime teigti, kad mėginimams žudytis turi įtakos subjektyvūs psichotraumuojantys veiksniai, o kuo tokių veiksnių daugiau, tuo stipresni savižudybės ketinimai [11,12]. Tyrimo metu siekta išsiaiškinti psichikos sutrikimų pasireiškimą tarp mėginusių žudytis pacientų.…”