ANXIETY disorders have been identified as independent and significant risk factors for suicidal behaviour, highlighting a new target in suicide prevention.Patients with conditions such as panic disorder, phobia or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were at double the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts compared with the general population.However, in patients with a pre-existing mood disorder, the addition of an anxiety disorder increased their risk of suicidal behaviour 17-fold, according to a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry (November).These findings contribute to resolving the contentious issue of whether anxiety disorders are risk factors for suicidal behaviour,” researchers wrote.Together with strong evidence that anxiety disorders are highly under-recognised and undertreated in the community and primary care, the current findings suggest...
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