重性抑郁障碍与双相障碍患者的共病研究

目的:调查重性抑郁障碍(MDD)和双相障碍患者(BD)精神科共病情况。方法:采用横断面调查方法,对2011年3月至8月符合美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册第4版(DSM-Ⅳ)诊断标准的141例重性抑郁障碍和52例双相障碍患者进行一般情况问卷及国际神经精神科简式访谈问卷(MINI)调查。结果:重性抑郁障碍组和双相障碍组精神科共病率分别为30.0%和28.8%,两组共病率差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.016,P>0.05);两组共病焦虑障碍最为常见,其共病率分别为27.0%和15.4%,差异无统计学意义(χ2=2.799,P=0.094);共病酒精依赖或物质滥用差异有统计学意义(χ2=6.405,P=0.011)。结论:重性抑郁障碍和双相障碍与其他精神科疾病存在广泛共病,尤以焦虑障碍多见。     

惊恐障碍的共病研究

鉴于与单一障碍相比 ,共病障碍患者具有症状重、病程慢性化、社会功能损害重、自杀率高和预后差等特征。故精神障碍共病研究成了当前精神病学领域备受关注的问题之一。美国流行病学责任区研究 (ＥＣＡ)资料提示 ,惊恐障碍在普通人群中很常见(约 10 % ) ,其中 6 7%的惊恐障碍 (114 / 171)共患其它精神障碍。本文就惊恐障碍共病有关问题作一综述。1　惊恐障碍与抑郁障碍共病[1～ 5]有研究显示 ,2 4 % (7%～ 6 1% )的惊恐障碍患者共患抑郁障碍 ,其中恶劣心境较抑郁症 (ＭＤ)更常见。然而 ,惊恐障碍患者伴有不符合抑郁障碍诊断标准的抑郁症状 (…     

双重抑郁症与抑郁症临床特征的研究

目的 了解双重抑郁症与抑郁症患者的临床特征.方法 采用随机多级抽样方法,以美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册第4版-修订版( DSM-Ⅳ-TR)为诊断标准,以DSM-Ⅳ-TR轴Ⅰ障碍定式临床检查患者版为诊断工具,以河北省流行病学调查的399例抑郁症患者为研究对象,其中符合双重抑郁症诊断标准患者56例(双重抑郁症组),符合抑郁症诊断标准患者343例(单一抑郁症组);采用功能大体评定量表( GAF)评定患者的功能状况.结果 399例抑郁症患者中,双重抑郁症的检出率为14.04％.单一抑郁症组和双重抑郁症组均有较高的其他精神障碍的共病率,分别为39.94％和48.21％,2组比较差异无统计学意义(x2=1.361,P＞0.05);均以共病未特定的焦虑障碍、特殊恐怖症、广泛性焦虑障碍、创伤后应激障碍、惊恐障碍、酒依赖/酒滥用等常见.双重抑郁症组患者精神运动性激越、优柔寡断、自杀未遂症状出现的频率均高于单一抑郁症组(P＜0.05),2组均以忧郁特征为常见临床特征(＞50％).2组GAF评分和疾病的严重程度比较差异无统计学意义(t=0.354,P＞0.05;x2 =0.655,P＞0.05).结论 抑郁症中双重抑郁症的比例不低,共病其他精神障碍均较常见,但双重抑郁症患者自杀的风险更高,做事情总是优柔寡断.     

河北省双重抑郁症的患病率、临床特征及社会功能状况分析

目的了解双重抑郁症的患病率、临床特征及社会生活功能状况。方法采用随机抽样方法,以美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册-第四版修订版(DSM-Ⅳ-TR)为诊断标准,以DSM-Ⅳ-TR轴Ⅰ障碍定式临床检查病人版(SCID-I/P)为诊断工具,对河北省完成流行病学调查的20716名18岁以上人群中双重抑郁症的患病率、共病、社会功能等临床特征进行分析。采用功能大体评定量表(global assessment of function,GAF)和匹茨堡睡眠质量指数(Pittsburgh sleep quality index,PSQI)中国修订版分别评定患者的功能状况和睡眠质量。结果 20716名被调查者中现患心境恶劣障碍411例,其中56例(13.6%)叠加了重性抑郁发作,符合双重抑郁症的诊断标准。双重抑郁症的时点患病率为0.27%(56/20716),按精神障碍高、中、低危险组SCID诊断的比例校正后的时点患病率为0.47%(95%CI:0.38%～0.56%)。单一的心境恶劣组和双重抑郁症组均有较高的其他精神障碍的共病率(30.99%和46.43%),后者的共病率更高(P0.05),但两组均以共病未特定的焦虑障碍、广泛性焦虑障碍、特殊恐怖症、创伤后应激障碍、酒依赖/酒滥用等常见。双重抑郁症组GAF评分明显低于单一心境恶劣组(P0.01),PSQI的总分及入睡时间、睡眠障碍、日间功能因子的评分明显高于心境恶劣组(P0.05),但两组在性别、文化程度、居住方式、城乡、婚姻状况方面无明显差异(P0.05)。结论心境恶劣障碍中双重抑郁症的比例不低,而双重抑郁症共病其他精神障碍和社会功能的损害更明显,应引起临床重视。     

抑郁与焦虑共病障碍临床研究

目的:调查抑郁与焦虑共病障碍的发生率,探讨其特点及预后.方法:对150例抑郁障碍患者用汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)、汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)、社会功能缺陷筛选量表(SDSS)和临床疗效总评量表(CGI)评定,3个月后进行随访.结果:45.3%的抑郁障碍患者共病焦虑障碍,共病以广泛焦虑障碍与惊恐障碍为最多(分别为22.0%、13.3%);入组时及3个月末,共病组HAMD、HAMA、CGI及SDSS总分均显著高于抑郁组(P＜0.05),3个月末共病组HAMA减分率显著低于抑郁组(P＜0.05),HAMD减分率两组差异无显著性.结论:抑郁与焦虑共病障碍发生率高,具有抑郁及焦虑症状重、社会功能损害重,焦虑症状不易缓解等特征.     

101例惊恐发作患者诊断归属及发作场所调查

目的:分析101例惊恐发作患者诊断归属及发作场所变化。方法:对101例惊恐发作患者以美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册第4版(DSM-Ⅳ)轴Ⅰ障碍用定式临床检查-临床版(SCID-CV)进行诊断;采用自制问卷调查发作情况。结果:符合DSM-Ⅳ惊恐障碍90例(89.1%),广泛性焦虑障碍6例(5.9%),抑郁障碍3例(2.9%),强迫障碍及精神分裂症各1例。90例惊恐障碍患者中,首次发作场所为家中50例,公共场所31例,途中9例;76.6%患者常在初次发生发作的场所发作,23.4%发作场所没有倾向性,仅1例发作场所固定。11例非惊恐障碍患者首发场所为家中3例,公共场所8例;此后发作场所均不固定。结论:约90%惊恐发作患者诊断为惊恐障碍,首次多发作于家中,并且倾向于在初次发作的场所发作;非惊恐障碍患者发作场所不固定。     

焦虑和抑郁障碍共病的治疗

焦虑障碍包括广泛性焦虑障碍 (GAD) ,惊恐障碍 ,强迫症 (OCD) ,社交恐怖 ,混合性焦虑抑郁障碍 (MAD)和创伤后应激障碍 (PTSD)。其中 MAD在 ICD- 1 0中的定义是 :患者多见于初级保健机构 ,有一定程度的焦虑和抑郁症状 ,并伴有植物神经症状 ,但又不符合特定的焦虑症或抑郁症诊断标准 ,也应与应激性生活事件无关[1] 。焦虑和抑郁障碍在诊断标准中是相互独立的疾病实体 ,但通常在同一个体共存。当两组症状分别考虑时 ,足以符合相应的诊断标准 ,这种情况称为焦虑、抑郁障碍共病。这种共病在初级保健人群中的患病率达 1 9% ,与单一焦虑或…     

家庭规模与已婚女性复发性抑郁障碍的关系

目的:探讨家庭规模与已婚女性复发性抑郁障碍患者临床特征及共病的关系。方法:将4 328名已婚女性复发抑郁障碍患者依据家庭规模分为无子女组(452例)、独生子女组(2 460例)和多子女组(1 416例),比较各组间临床特征及共病情况。结果:临床表现:与其他两组比较,无子女组首发年龄及最严重发作时年龄小,不典型症状多,生物学症状数少,死亡想法及自杀行为多;自杀相关问题较独生子女组多;坐立不安、无价值感和症状总数较多子女组少。与多子女组比较,独生子女组首发年龄小,发作次数少,无价值感、自卑感、死亡及自杀意念少(P0.05或P0.01)。共病情况:和多子女组比较,无子女组和独生子女组共病忧郁症相对少见,无子女组共病社交恐怖症相对多见,独生子女组共病情境恐怖症、血液恐怖症相对多见;和独生子女组比较,无子女组血液恐怖症相对较少(P0.05或P0.01)。结论:女性复发性抑郁障碍患者中,无子女患者不典型症状及自杀相关问题较突出;多子女患者无价值感、自卑明显,生物学症状、症状总数及共病忧郁更多。     

阿普唑仑治疗惊恐障碍时出现抑郁症状

阿普唑仑(alprazolam)系三唑苯并二氮(艹卓)类药物,治疗广泛性焦虑障碍有效。初步研究证实对惊恐障碍亦有疗效。作者应用中、高剂量的阿普唑仑治疗46例焦虑障碍患者时,有15例(33%)出现重性抑郁症。本文所有参加8周双盲对照研究的患者,均符合DSM-Ⅲ空旷恐怖症伴惊恐发作或惊恐障碍的诊断标准。8周后,原接受阿普唑仑治疗者继续应用,用安慰剂者改用阿普唑仑治疗1年。惊恐发作前患者没有抑郁症状,并且惊恐发作后出现重性抑郁症(DSM-Ⅲ标准)的患者,在入组时无抑郁症状。本文从中选2例病例报告如下: 例1,女性,32岁,已婚,患空旷恐怖     

抑郁症与焦虑障碍共病临床特征研究

目的 调查抑郁症和焦虑症障碍的共病率,以及对临床严重程度的影响.方法 采用前瞻性、多中心、队列研究.入组对象符合美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册(第4版)抑郁症的诊断标准, 采用17项汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)和焦虑量表(HAMA),社会功能缺陷筛选量表(SSDS)和临床大体量表(CGI)评估.观察流行病学资料,焦虑和抑郁症状群、自杀状况.用情感性障碍和精神分裂症检查提纲中有关焦虑障碍的诊断清单评定患者合并的焦虑障碍.结果 共入组508例患者,首次抑郁发作为269例(53.0%),294例(57.9%)有过自杀观念,55例(10.8%)曾有自杀行为.45例(8.9%)伴精神病性症状.HAMD量表总分平均为(32.6±7.7)分;HAMA量表平均为(21.0±7.3)分,其中78.5%患者大于14分.抑郁症患者焦虑障碍的共病发生率为68.9%(350例),16.7%共病多种焦虑障碍.焦虑障碍种类分布以广泛性焦虑障碍为主,为56.1%.焦虑对抑郁症的临床严重程度有显著统计学意义,但自杀观念和自杀行为在共病与非共病之间未见统计学意义.36.0%患者同时伴有躯体疾病.结论 抑郁症与焦虑共病在临床上是常见的现象,合并的焦虑障碍以广泛性焦虑障碍为主,1/3的患者合并躯体疾病,应引起临床医生重视.     

Psychopathological sequelae of the 11 March terrorist attacks in Madrid

Objective To describe the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive and anxiety disorders, or any other mental disorder among adult victims treated in a hospital at different points in time after the 11 March 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid. Design, Setting, and Participants A random sample of 56 individuals injured in the attacks was interviewed in person at one, six, and twelve months after the attacks. Main Outcome Measures Current DSM-IV mental disorders: depressive disorders and anxiety disorders (PTSD, generalised anxiety, agoraphobia, social phobia, and panic disorder) were assessed with the Spanish version of the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), a structured, lay-administered psychiatric interview. Results PTSD was the most prevalent psychiatric disorder (35.7% at month 1, 34.1% at month 6, and 28.6% at month 12), followed by major depression (28.6%, 22.7%, and 28.6%, respectively). Others relevant conditions were suicide risk, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), agoraphobia, and panic disorder. No significant differences in the prevalence of the disorders were found between the different assessment times. Patients with a psychiatric history prior to 11 March had a higher prevalence of PTSD, major depression, GAD, and panic disorder at month 1. Females had higher prevalence of PTSD, agoraphobia, and panic disorder at month 1. The only predictive factor for PTSD at month 12 was PTSD at month 6 (OR = 14.007). The only predictive factor for major depression at month 12 was major depression at month 6 (OR = 15.847). Conclusion The prevalence of PTSD and major depression was high and remained stable between month 1, month 6, and month 12. The only predictive factor for PTSD at month 12 was PTSD at month 6.     

Prevalence and comorbidity of major depressive disorder in young black and white women

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the prevalence and comorbidity of depression in two large samples of black and white young adult women. METHOD: Clinical interviews of participants in a follow-up study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study (NGHS-Wave II; N=378) were contrasted with a subsample of the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS; N=3749) to examine the rates and comorbidity of lifetime major depressive disorder in black and white women using methodology described by . The sequencing of disorders was also examined to determine which disorder was primary. Comorbidity and sequencing were examined for alcohol and drug use disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. RESULTS: Prevalence estimates for depression, alcohol use disorder, and drug use disorder were higher for white women than for black women in both NGHS-Wave II and NCS. Over half of depressed participants in both samples had at least one comorbid disorder and depression was associated with an increased probability of all the investigated disorders. Only one ethnic difference was found in comorbidity, indicating that black women were more likely to have comorbid panic disorder than white women were. Depression was primary to alcohol and substance use disorders, whereas it was secondary to specific phobia and PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of comorbidity were found for both black and white women, though few ethnic differences in comorbidity were found. Preventive and treatment interventions are needed to address multiple disorders in young adult women.     

Pharmacogenomics and therapeutic prospects in dementia

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive and anxiety disorders, or any other mental disorder among adult victims treated in a hospital at different points in time after the 11 March 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 56 individuals injured in the attacks was interviewed in person at one, six, and twelve months after the attacks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Current DSM-IV mental disorders: depressive disorders and anxiety disorders (PTSD, generalised anxiety, agoraphobia, social phobia, and panic disorder) were assessed with the Spanish version of the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), a structured, lay-administered psychiatric interview. RESULTS: PTSD was the most prevalent psychiatric disorder (35.7% at month 1, 34.1% at month 6, and 28.6% at month 12), followed by major depression (28.6%, 22.7%, and 28.6%, respectively). Others relevant conditions were suicide risk, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), agoraphobia, and panic disorder. No significant differences in the prevalence of the disorders were found between the different assessment times. Patients with a psychiatric history prior to 11 March had a higher prevalence of PTSD, major depression, GAD, and panic disorder at month 1. Females had higher prevalence of PTSD, agoraphobia, and panic disorder at month 1. The only predictive factor for PTSD at month 12 was PTSD at month 6 (OR = 14.007). The only predictive factor for major depression at month 12 was major depression at month 6 (OR = 15.847). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PTSD and major depression was high and remained stable between month 1, month 6, and month 12. The only predictive factor for PTSD at month 12 was PTSD at month 6.     

Moderating effects of major depression on patterns of comorbidity in patients with panic disorder

Given the high rate of co-occurring major depression in patients with panic disorder, it is unclear whether patterns of comorbidity in individuals with panic disorder reported in the literature are associated with panic disorder or with the presence of major depression. Subjects were 231 adult subjects with panic disorder and major depression (n=102), panic disorder without comorbid major depression (n=29), major depression without comorbid panic disorder (n=39), and neither panic disorder nor major depression (n=61). Subjects were comprehensively assessed with structured diagnostic interviews that examined psychopathology across the life cycle. Panic disorder, independently of comorbidity with major depression, was significantly associated with comorbid separation anxiety disorder, simple phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. Major depression, independently of comorbidity with panic disorder, was significantly associated with comorbidity with psychoactive substance use disorders and childhood disruptive behavior disorders. Overanxious disorder was associated with both panic disorder and major depression. Major depression has important moderating effects on patterns of comorbidity of panic disorder in referred adults.     

The early-onset fearful panic attack as a predictor of severe psychopathology

The objective of this study was to replicate previous findings indicating that early-onset panic attack (< or =20 years) with fear represents a possible prodrome of early-onset severe psychopathology. Data were drawn from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Survey (ECA) (n=20 291), a household sample of adults aged 18 and older drawn from five cities in the United States. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to differentiate those with early-onset panic attacks with fear from those with other panic attacks (early-onset without fear, late-onset without fear, late-onset with fear) with regard to psychiatric comorbidity, age at onset of comorbid mental disorders, and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Results of statistical analyses revealed that early-onset fearful panic attack (n=368) was associated with increased likelihood of major affective and substance use disorders, significantly earlier onset of comorbid mental disorders, higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, and higher rates of antisocial personality disorder compared with those with other subtypes of panic attacks. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that early-onset fearful panic was independently associated with increased odds of major depression [OR=3.0 (2.6, 3.5)], bipolar disorder [OR=7.9 (5.7, 10.8)], antisocial personality disorder [OR=1.5 (1.3, 1.7)], agoraphobia [OR=1.2 (1.1, 1.4)], simple phobia [OR=1.6 (1.4, 1.8)], and alcohol dependence [OR=1.3 (1.2, 1.5)], compared with those with all other panic attacks. These findings are consistent with previous epidemiologic data and provide new evidence to suggest that early-onset fearful panic attack may be a marker of increased vulnerability to severe and persistent psychopathology and associated with high rates of suicidality.     

Is childhood separation anxiety disorder a predictor of adult panic disorder and agoraphobia? A seven-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether separation anxiety disorder (SAD) in childhood is a risk factor for panic disorder and agoraphobia in adulthood. METHOD: Patients (n = 85) who had completed treatment for SAD, generalized anxiety disorder, and/or social phobia 7.42 years earlier (on average) were reassessed using structured diagnostic interviews. RESULTS: Subjects with a childhood diagnosis of SAD did not display a greater risk for developing panic disorder and agoraphobia in young adulthood than those with other childhood anxiety diagnoses. Subjects with a childhood diagnosis of SAD did not more frequently meet full diagnostic criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, or major depressive disorder in adulthood than subjects with childhood diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder or social phobia, but were more likely to meet criteria for other anxiety disorders (i.e., specific phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and acute stress disorder). CONCLUSIONS: These results argue against the hypothesis that childhood SAD is a specific risk factor for adult panic disorder and agoraphobia.     

Effects of comorbid diagnoses on sleep disturbance in PTSD

Objective: Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently diagnosed with other psychiatric comorbid conditions. This study tested the hypothesis that PTSD patients suffer a greater proportion of sleep problems according to comorbid diagnoses. Method: National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) data from 591 individuals diagnosed with PTSD were analyzed. Revised versions of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and Composite International Diagnostic Interview were administered to a representative sample of males and females. Groups consisted of patients diagnosed with lifetime PTSD and with current comorbid panic disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence. Results: Patients diagnosed with PTSD/panic disorder reported a significantly greater proportion of nightmare complaints (96%) and insomnia (100%) compared with the other comorbid groups. Conclusions: A greater proportion of PTSD patients with comorbid panic disorder complain of sleep-related problems than other comorbid groups. This effect appears unique to panic, rather than other general anxiety disorder or depression. Prospective sleep studies are needed to differentiate the role of sleep in PTSD and PD, as well as to examine the role of psychiatric comorbidity in worsening sleep in PTSD patients.     

Rates of isolated sleep paralysis in outpatients with anxiety disorders

Initial research suggests that rates of isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) are elevated in individuals with panic disorder and particularly low in individuals with other anxiety disorders. To further evaluate these findings, we examined rates of ISP in a sample outpatients with primary diagnoses of panic disorder (n=24), social anxiety disorder (n=18), or generalized anxiety disorder (n=18). We obtained an overall rate of ISP of 19.7%; rates for patients with panic disorder (20.8%) fell between those with generalized anxiety disorder (15.8%) and social phobia (22.2%). Analysis of comorbidities failed to provide evidence of link between depressive disorders and ISP, but did indicate a significant association between anxiety comorbidity and higher rates of ISP. Results are discussed relative to other variables predicting variability in the occurrence of ISP.     

On the threshold of disorder: a study of the impact of the DSM-IV clinical significance criterion on diagnosing depressive and anxiety disorders in clinical practice

BACKGROUND: Two recent reanalyses of epidemiologic studies found that adding a clinical significance criterion reduced disorder prevalence. Patients presenting for clinical care are usually distressed or impaired by their symptoms; thus, the DSM-IV clinical significance criterion might have little impact on diagnosis in clinical practice. In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, we examine the impact of the DSM-IV clinical significance criterion on diagnostic frequencies of depressive and anxiety disorders in psychiatric outpatients. METHOD: 1500 psychiatric outpatients were evaluated with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. We determined the percentage of patients who met symptom criteria but did not meet the DSM-IV clinical significance criterion for major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, specific phobia, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. RESULTS: No patient who met the symptom criteria for current major depressive disorder or PTSD failed to meet the clinical significance criterion. Less than 2% of patients meeting the symptom criteria for current GAD did not meet the clinical significance criterion. There was variability among the remaining anxiety disorders in the percentage of symptomatic patients who met the clinical significance criterion. CONCLUSION: In psychiatric patients, the clinical significance criterion had little impact on diagnosing major depressive disorder, GAD, and PTSD, disorders that are defined, in part, by disruptions of daily regulatory domains such as sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration. In contrast, the clinical significance criterion had a greater impact in determining whether phobic fears, obsessive thoughts, and panic attacks were sufficiently distressing or impairing to qualify for disorder status.     

What characteristics of primary anxiety disorders predict subsequent major depressive disorder?

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine the associations between specific anxiety disorders and the risk of major depressive disorder and to explore the role of various clinical characteristics of anxiety disorders in these relationships using a prospective, longitudinal design. METHOD: The data are from a 4-year prospective, longitudinal community study, which included both baseline and follow-up survey data on 2548 adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 24 years at baseline. DSM-IV diagnoses were made using the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS: The presence at baseline of any anxiety disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2 [95% CI = 1.6 to 3.2]) and each of the anxiety disorders (specific phobia, OR = 1.9 [95% CI = 1.3 to 2.8]; social phobia, OR = 2.9 [95% CI = 1.7 to 4.8]; agoraphobia, OR = 3.1 [95% CI = 1.4 to 6.7]; panic disorder, OR = 3.4 [95% CI = 1.2 to 9.0]; generalized anxiety disorder, OR = 4.5 [95% CI = 1.9 to 10.3]) was associated with a significantly (p <.05) increased risk of first onset of major depressive disorder. These associations remained significant after we adjusted for mental disorders occurring prior to the onset of the anxiety disorder, with the exception of the panic disorder association. The following clinical characteristics of anxiety disorders were associated with a significantly (p <.05) increased risk of developing major depressive disorder: more than 1 anxiety disorder, severe impairment due to the anxiety disorder, and comorbid panic attacks. In the final model, which included all clinical characteristics, severe impairment remained the only clinical characteristic that was an independent predictor of the development of major depressive disorder (OR = 2.2 [95% CI = 1.0 to 4.4]). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that anxiety disorders are risk factors for the first onset of major depressive disorder. Although a number of clinical characteristics of anxiety disorders appear to play a role in the association between anxiety disorders and depression, severe impairment is the strongest predictor of major depressive disorder.