The detection and consequences of anxiety in clinical depression.

Anxiety symptoms and comorbid anxiety are common in depressive syndromes, and there is evidence they are associated with increased severity of depression and a poorer outcome. Anxiety and agitation symptoms also appear to be an acute risk factor for suicide in patients who have major affective disorder, an observation that has been supported by a number of biological correlates. Rapid and aggressive treatment of these anxiety/agitation symptoms with suitable antidepressants or benzodiazepines should be considered in order to avoid the immediate risk of suicide and to permit successful treatment of the affective disorder.