The Influence of Anxiety Sensitivity on a Wish to Die in Complicated Grief

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2016 Apr;204(4):314-6. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000465.

Abstract

Individuals with complicated grief are at elevated risk of suicidal thoughts. Anxiety sensitivity has recently emerged as a risk factor of suicide. This study aimed to investigate a possible association between anxiety sensitivity and a wish to die in individuals with complicated grief. Participants were evaluated for participation in a treatment study and completed an ancillary questionnaire-based study. Participants were 51 bereaved adults evaluated (age: mean, 54 [SD, 13.6] years; 78% [n = 40] women). Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and a wish to die. Overall, anxiety sensitivity was associated with a wish to die at the level of a medium effect size, although it did not reach statistical significance. The anxiety sensitivity social concerns subscale was significantly associated with a wish to die. These findings add to a growing literature implicating anxiety sensitivity in reporting a wish to die.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / diagnosis
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Bereavement*
  • Female
  • Grief*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Isolation
  • Social Support
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Volition*