Anxiety and suicidality in the college student population.

Objective

This study examined symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicidality in a national sample of college students.

Participants

Using national survey data from the Healthy Minds Study (HMS), a random sample from 184 U.S. campuses from fall 2016 to spring 2019 was analyzed (N = 119,875).

Methods

Prevalence rates were examined with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and suicidality questions. Relationships between anxiety, depression and suicidality were assessed through Spearman's correlations, the Kruskal-Wallis H test and logistic regressions.

Results

Findings revealed that screening only for depression would pick up 23% of suicidal ideation, increasing to 35% when also screening for anxiety. Those with anxiety and no to minimal depression had the second highest likelihood of suicide attempt, following those with anxiety and depression. The symptom "feeling afraid something awful might happen" doubled the odds of suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

College campuses may benefit from assessing particular anxiety symptoms in relation to suicide.