Suicide risk enhanced among nervous and anxious men

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Men who report nervousness and anxiety run a nine times greater risk of attempting suicide, according to a Swedish study.
Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. And it is well known that depression is a big risk factor in suicide. Now a team in Stockholm reports upon the link between nervousness, anxiety and suicide.

The data come from the Swedish Survey of Living Conditions, a survey carried out face to face each year among participants aged 16 to 74. The surveys reported here were carried out in 1980-81, 1988-89 and 1995-96, covering 34,500 people. Those reporting anxiety and nervousness were twice as likely to die during a five year follow up period and were three to four times more likely to be admitted to hospital with mental health issues. This was compared to those not reporting anxiety and nervousness.

For men, attempted suicide was nine times more likely in the presence of anxiety and nervousness, for women the risk was three times greater. This risk also tended to increase with time. What is more, the proportion of the Swedish population suffering from anxiety appears to be increasing, according to these survey results. This is a mental health problem that needs to be taken more seriously, as attempted suicide often leads to a later, successful, attempt.

Source
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health August 2005 Volume 59 pages 794-798

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