Panic and suicidal ideation in primary care

The objective of this article is to examine the relationship between panic attacks, panic disorder, and suicidal ideation among primary care patients. A probability sample of 1,007 primary care attenders from a large urban university practice was assessed for current mental disorders and suicidal ideation (past 2 week prevalence) with the PRIME-MD Patient Health Questionnaire. Controlling for major depression, substance use disorders, and sociodemographic variables simultaneously, patients with either panic attacks or panic disorder had significantly increased risks of suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was highly associated with major depression and comorbid panic disorder (OR = 15.4) or panic attacks (OR = 7.9). There is need for detection and possible treatment of patients with panic attacks or disorder in primary care, especially among those with co-occurring major depression.