Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in panic disorder and attacks

Article Abstract:

Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks, repeated, unpredictable abrupt episodes of intense anxiety or fear. The symptoms may include difficulty in breathing, chest pain, chest palpitations and the feeling of being smothered or choked. The patient may feel dizzy, faint, sweaty, hot or cold. In addition, he may have a fear of going crazy, harbor feelings of impending death, and not be oriented to reality. People suffering from panic disorder often fear other attacks in unpredictable situations, so they remain at home. The disorder is differentiated from other anxiety disorders and phobias by the frequency and intensity of the attacks. Many of the symptoms can also be found in medical illnesses such as hormonal imbalances, heart disease and seizures. Patients with panic disorder are often suicidal, and sometimes imagine they have a life-threatening medical illness. To determine the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide in panic disorder attacks, 18,011 patients were evaluated. Four groups of patients were studied: those having panic disorder, those with panic attacks, those with other psychiatric disorders and a group with no psychiatric disorders. Of the four groups, the patients with panic disorder were more often suicidal than those with other psychiatric disorders or those with no psychiatric disorders. Of the patients with panic disorder, 20 percent had attempted suicide, and of those experiencing panic attacks, 12 percent had attempted suicide. This increased risk of suicide attempts is not a result of coexisting depression, alcohol and drug abuse. In another study, out of 13 patients who committed suicide within a year after admission, 62 percent had a previous experience of panic attacks. Physicians are cautioned to refer patients who exhibit symptoms of panic attacks but do not have medical illnesses for psychiatric evaluations. Treatment is aimed at reducing the number of panic attacks with medication and behavioral therapy.

Research, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Suicide, Panic disorders, Panic disorder, Panic attacks

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Cross-national epidemiology of major depression and bipolar disorder

Article Abstract:

Cultural differences may explain the difference in the rate of depression among different countries. A study of 10 countries found that the annual rates of major depression varied from .8 cases per 100 adults in Taiwan to 5.8 cases per 100 adults in New Zealand. The incidence of depression was higher in women than men. However, the rates of manic depression were similar in most countries and affected men and women equally. Major depression struck most people in their mid-20s, while those with manic depression were often affected in their teens.

Demographic aspects, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Bipolar disorder

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