Comorbid Anxiety and Suicide in Mood Disorders

Abstract

<P>Studies show that 30% to 70% of suicides occur in patients under mental health care. Other studies show that patients do not often admit to suicidal intent or plan prior to suicide. Even more difficult for the clinician is evidence that suicide is not predictable. Also, the “standard” predictors of suicide (prior suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness), while shown to be related to eventual suicide, are not very helpful in predicting immediate risk and informing the clinician that the patient is at acute or immediate risk for suicide. The clinician needs more clinical information to help in foreseeing the immediate risk of suicide.</P> <H4>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</H4><P>Jan Fawcett, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Dr. Fawcett is Editor of <cite>Psychiatric Annals</cite>.</P><P>Address correspondence to: Jan Fawcett, MD, <a href="mailto:jan.fawcett@comcast.net">jan.fawcett@comcast.net</a>.</P><P>Dr. Fawcett has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Eli Lilly: Member of Speakers’ Bureau; and Abbott Laboratories: Member of Medical Advisory Board.</P> <h4>EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES</h4> <ol> <li>Describe the association of anxiety and suicidal behavior.</li> <li>Discuss the importance and criteria of estimating the severity of anxiety symptoms as a part of a suicide risk assessment.</li> <li>Explain the importance of and the useful approaches for treating severe anxiety/agitation symptoms as a method to reduce acute suicide risk.</li> </ol>