Panic disorder and suicidal behavior: a follow-up study of patients treated with cognitive therapy and SSRIs in Hungary.

BACKGROUND

Previous research has suggested that patients with panic disorder but no comorbid disorder are not at greater risk for suicidal behavior.

AIMS: The present study followed up patients with panic disorder in order to assess the frequency of their suicidal behavior.

METHODS

A sample of 281 outpatients with panic disorder, but without a comorbid psychiatric disorder, was followed up for an average of 5 years. The patients were given 6-8 weeks of cognitive therapy, and 65% were prescribed SSRIs.

RESULTS

At the time of first admission, 5 patients (1.7%) reported a previous (lifetime) suicide attempt, and 53 patients (18.2%) reported previous (lifetime) suicidal ideation (both thoughts and plans), not greatly different from the Hungarian population in general. During the follow-up period, no patient committed suicide, 2 patients attempted suicide (0.7%), and 4 patients (1.4%) reported suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that people with panic disorders without comorbid disorders have no higher suicidal risk than the general population in Hungary. After treatment with cognitive therapy and SSRIs, 38.5% were symptom-free, and only 7.8% required continued close therapeutic contact after the follow-up period.