Anxiety Disorders and Risk for Suicide Attempts: Findings From the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Follow-Up Study

This study sought to determine if the presence of an anxiety disorder was a risk factor for future suicide attempts. Data were drawn from the 13-year follow-up Baltimore Epidemiological Catchment Area survey. The presence of one or more anxiety disorders at baseline was significantly associated with subsequent onset suicide attempts after controlling for sociodemographic variables & all baseline mental disorders assessed in the survey. Findings suggest anxiety disorders are independent risk factors for suicide attempts & underscore the importance of anxiety disorders as a serious public health problem. (32 refs.)