MindMed Study Highlights Alarmingly High Rates of Suicidal Ideation in Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Researchers from Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company pioneering innovative therapies for brain health disorders, have unveiled concerning findings from a large-scale retrospective study, which was presented at Psych Congress 2025. The study, based on data from more than 75,000 respondents to the 2022 National Health and Wellness Survey, provides critical insights into the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) among adults experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), particularly when comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD).
High Rates of Suicidal Ideation Among Adults with GAD
The MindMed study reveals that nearly half (48%) of respondents reporting severe GAD symptoms also reported experiencing suicidal thoughts almost every day. This finding is particularly alarming given the strong link between suicidal ideation and the risk of suicide completion. The study also identified that comorbid depressive symptoms are common among those with GAD; specifically, 65% of participants reporting GAD symptoms also reported concurrent MDD symptoms.
Further breakdown of the data indicates that suicidal ideation is prevalent across varying levels of anxiety severity. Among individuals with moderate GAD symptoms, 78% reported SI within the past two weeks, while an even higher proportion—91%—of those with severe GAD symptoms experienced suicidal thoughts during the same period. Among respondents with both GAD and MDD, 75% of those with moderate GAD and 85% of those with severe GAD reported suicidal ideation, underscoring the compounding effect of comorbid mental health conditions on suicidal risk.
Suicide as a Critical Public Health Issue
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among adults in the United States, particularly for individuals under the age of 44. Suicidal ideation, which encompasses thinking about, considering, or planning suicide, is a significant risk factor that precedes suicide attempts and completions. Public health experts have increasingly highlighted SI as an urgent concern, especially among individuals with mental health conditions such as GAD and MDD. Despite the prevalence and severity of this issue, there is a notable gap in routine clinical screening for suicide risk in patients with anxiety disorders.
Erin Ferries, Ph.D., lead author of the study and Head of Healthcare Economics Outcomes Research (HEOR) at MindMed, emphasized the significance of the findings:
“While SI has been extensively studied in people with MDD, far less is known about its impact on those with GAD with or without comorbid MDD. These findings highlight the urgent need to address the gaps in routine suicide risk screening, particularly among people living with GAD and MDD, as SI appears to be more prevalent in these individuals than previously understood. During Suicide Prevention Month, we are reminded that stronger identification and timely, targeted interventions are essential to reaching those most at risk—and may help save lives.”
Demographic Insights and High-Risk Populations
The analysis further identified patterns of SI across demographic groups. Nearly one in three U.S. adults (28.4%) reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. Rates were highest among men, young adults aged 18 to 34 years, Hispanic individuals, and students. Specifically, 33% of men reported SI, while nearly half (47.5%) of young adults aged 18–34 reported suicidal thoughts. Hispanic respondents showed similar elevated rates at 47.6%, and 42.9% of students reported experiencing SI.
In addition, the study highlighted that almost a quarter of respondents (23%) reported moderate or severe GAD symptoms. These findings suggest that anxiety disorders affect a substantial portion of the adult population in the United States, and that individuals with more severe anxiety are at disproportionately high risk for suicidal ideation. The overlap between GAD and MDD emphasizes the complex interplay of mental health conditions, which can magnify the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Implications for Clinical Practice and Suicide Prevention
The MindMed study underscores the urgent need for improved suicide risk assessment in adults with anxiety disorders. Although depression has long been recognized as a primary risk factor for suicide, the high prevalence of SI among individuals with GAD—particularly those with severe symptoms—reveals that anxiety disorders also carry significant suicide risk. Routine mental health screenings in primary care and psychiatric settings are critical for identifying patients at risk, especially since GAD may not always present with overt depressive symptoms.
Targeted interventions and timely therapeutic strategies are essential for reducing the burden of SI. Evidence-based treatments, including pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, and digital mental health solutions, have the potential to mitigate suicidal risk when implemented proactively. However, gaps in identification and intervention persist, particularly among high-risk groups such as young adults, Hispanic populations, and students.
MindMed’s Commitment to Advancing Brain Health
MindMed is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapies for brain health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Through initiatives like this large-scale retrospective study, the company seeks to expand understanding of the mental health landscape, identify critical unmet needs, and inform clinical and public health strategies to reduce suicide risk.
By leveraging real-world survey data and advanced analytics, MindMed aims to highlight the intersection between anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Studies like this provide an evidence base for improved screening, prevention, and treatment strategies, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for individuals living with complex mental health conditions.
Broader Context: Suicide Prevention in the U.S.
The findings from the MindMed study align with broader national concerns regarding mental health and suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is among the top 10 causes of death in the U.S., with particularly high rates among younger adults and certain minority populations. Suicidal ideation is recognized as a key warning sign, and timely identification and intervention can be lifesaving.
Mental health advocacy groups and public health organizations emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies that include community education, access to mental health services, and stigma reduction. Dr. Ferries’ call for enhanced suicide screening in individuals with GAD and MDD highlights the potential impact of evidence-based public health interventions on reducing preventable deaths.
