People who suffer from a surprisingly common mental disorder that causes sudden terrifying panic attacks appear unusually prone to trying to commit suicide, researchers report
A new study involving 18,011 adults found 20 percent of those with panic disorder and 12 percent of those who suffered panic attacks had tried suicide, researchers at Columbia University in New York reported.Panic disorder patients were nearly three times more likely than those with other psychiatric disorders to attempt suicide and nearly 18 times more likely than those without mental illness, the researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine.
"We conclude that panic disorder and attacks are associated with an increased risk of suicide ideation (suicidal thoughts) and suicide attempts," the researchers wrote. "Physicians working in general medicine settings and emergency departments should be alert to this problem."
At least 3 percent of Americans have panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense apprehension or fear that may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, choking, dizziness, trembling and hot flashes. The cause is unknown.
About 1.5 percent of Americans suffer from panic disorder, a more strictly defined condition that involves more closely clustered panic attacks accompanied by at least four physical symptoms.
Myrna Weissman, a psychiatry professor who who led the study, said the findings provide new reasons for doctors to be on the lookout for patients suffering from panic attacks and treat the disorder as quickly as possible.
Drugs and behavioral therapies have been shown effective for treating the disorder, said Weissman.