Differences in Suicide Risk Severity Among Suicidal Youth With Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

<b></b> <i>Background:</i> Adolescent suicidality is a growing public health concern. Although evidence supports a link between anxiety and suicidality, little is known about risk associated with specific anxiety disorders. <i>Aims:</i> This study examined the prevalence of anxiety disorders in a sample of adolescents with depression and suicidal ideation and the associations between specific anxiety disorders and suicide ideation severity and attempt history. <i>Method:</i> The sample consisted of 115 adolescents (<i>M</i>_age = 14.96 years; 55.8% African American) entering a clinical trial for suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. Prior to treatment, adolescents completed self-report and interview measures. <i>Results:</i> In all, 48% of the sample met criteria for an anxiety disorder, 22% met criteria for social anxiety disorder (SAD), and 40% met criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). SAD was uniquely associated with more severe suicidal ideation. <i>Limitations:</i> Findings may not generalize to all suicidal adolescents, and non-measured variables may account for the observed relationships. <i>Conclusion:</i> Future research should examine whether targeting social anxiety would improve treatment response for suicidal adolescents.