A comprehensive model of predictors of suicide attempt in individuals with panic disorder: Results from a national 3-year prospective study

Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2020 Nov-Dec:67:127-135. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2020.09.006. Epub 2020 Oct 13.

Abstract

Objective: People with panic disorder are at increased risk of suicide. Multiple factors influence their risk suggesting a need to combine them into an integrative model to develop more effective suicide prevention strategies for this population. In this report, we sought to build a comprehensive model of the 3-year risk of suicide attempt in individuals with panic disorder using a longitudinal nationally representative study, the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; wave 1, 2001-2002; wave 2, 2004-2005).

Method: We used structural equation modeling to simultaneously examine effects of six broad groups of clinical factors previously identified as potential predictors of suicide attempt in adults with panic disorder: 1) severity of panic disorder, 2) severity of comorbidity, 3) prior history of suicide attempt, 4) family history of psychiatric disorders, 5) sociodemographic characteristics and 6) treatment-seeking behavior.

Results: The 3-year prevalence rate of suicide attempt was 4.6%. A general psychopathology factor, lower physical health-related quality of life, prior suicide attempt and a greater number of stressful life events at baseline significantly and independently predicted suicide attempt between the two waves (p < .05). R-square of the models ranged from 0.47 to 0.50.

Conclusion: This model may help inform future research and identify high-risk individuals among adults with panic disorder.

Keywords: Comorbidity; Epidemiology; Panic disorder; Suicide attempt; Treatment-seeking behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans
  • Panic Disorder* / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Suicide, Attempted*