Suicidal Ideations in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders characterized by aversive, avoidant reactions to emotional experiences poses potential risk for suicide. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours have similarly been conceptualized as avoidant or escape-based responses to experience of strong emotions. The relation between anxiety disorders and suicidal behaviour has been examined in limited numbers of studies with differing results. In this study, the relation between Generalized anxiety disorder and suicidal behaviour will be discussed. AIM: To assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder coming to OPD, Department of Psychiatry, IMH METHODS: Chart review using convenience sampling was conducted from Jan 2021 to September 2021 after IRB approval. Assessment of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was conducted during the life event history section of the interview based on the following questions: “Have you ever seriously thought about committing suicide?” and “Have you ever attempted suicide?” We examined respondents endorsing presence of suicidal ideation or attempts. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software 28.0 RESULTS: According to our study done, it is found to have significant association between suicidal ideation and GAD. But, there was no significant association between suicidal attempt and GAD. CONCLUSION: We have used cross-sectional, retrospective data. Prospective longitudinal evaluation whether anxiety disorders are risk factors for new-onset suicidal behaviour is required.