Anxiety in major depression: Relationship to suicide attempts

Objective: This study was an examination of the relationship of lifetime pa nic disorder and anxiety symptoms at index hospitalization to a history of a suicide attempt in patients with a major depressive episode. Method: A total of 272 inpatients with at least one major depressive episod e, with or without a history of a suicide attempt, were entered into the st udy. They were given structured diagnostic interviews for axis I and axis I I disorders. Suicide attempt history, current psychopathology, and traits o f aggression and impulsivity were also assessed. Results: The rates of panic disorder did not differ in the suicide attempte rs and nonattempters. Agitation, psychic anxiety, and hypochondriasis were more severe in the nonattempter group. A multivariate analysis confirmed th at this effect was independent of aggression and impulsivity. Conclusions: Comorbid panic disorder in patients with major depression does not seem to increase the risk for lifetime suicide attempt. The presence o f greater anxiety in the nonattempters warrants further investigation.