Comorbidity in a Sample of Patients with Agoraphobia: The Presence of Suicidal Ideation

Agoraphobia represents one of the most disabling mental disorders. Comorbidity is very frequent, especially with other anxiety disorders and with affective disorders. Especially relevant is the fact that several patients have suicidal thoughts. In severe levels, some patients can present suicidal ideation. The aim of this study was to know the comorbidity rates in a sample of 254 patients with agoraphobia, particularly related with depression and suicidal ideation. Results showed a high proportion of patients with depression and with social anxiety. Suicidal thoughts were found in one third of patients. These thoughts were especially related to level of depression. The presence of panic attacks, social anxiety and substance abuse did not significantly improve the prediction of suicidal ideation in people with agoraphobia. These results are discussed according to the relevance of comorbidity in suicidal behavior, and its implications in the evolution of agoraphobia.