Suicidal Ideation in Anxiety-Disordered Youth: Identifying Predictors of Risk

Abstract

Evidence is mixed regarding an independent association between anxiety and suicidality. Beyond associations with demographic factors and depression, do anxiety disorders increase risk for suicidality in youth? Given that not all anxiety-disordered youth experience suicidal ideation, potential predictors of risk also require investigation. The present study examined (a) the independent relationship between anxiety and suicidal ideation and (b) comorbid depressive disorders, emotion dysregulation, and distress intolerance as predictors of risk for suicidal ideation in a sample of anxiety-disordered youth aged 7-17 (N = 86, M = 11.5). Youth and parents reported on suicidality, comorbid depressive disorders, emotion dysregulation, and distress intolerance. Distress tolerance was further measured by a computerized behavioral task. Results supported an independent relationship between anxiety symptomatology and youth-reported suicidal ideation, controlling for depressive symptoms. Youth self-report of emotion dysregulation and distress intolerance predicted higher levels of suicidal ideation in univariate analyses. In a multivariate analysis including all significant predictors, only anxiety symptomatology uniquely predicted suicidal ideation. Results are discussed in terms of implications for assessment and treatment in anxiety-disordered youth. Suggestions for future research investigating the relationship between anxiety and suicidal ideation in youth are offered.