Heterogeneity of non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents with depression: latent class analysis

Abstract

Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) by adolescent patients with depression has become a serious public health problem. This cross-sectional study aims to identify subgroups of adolescents based on NSSI and explore the factors related to these subgroups. Methods The study recruited 326 in- and out-patient adolescents (263 girls and 63 boys) aged 12 to 18 years (mean = 14.7, SD = 1.6) who had self-injured in the past year. Latent class indicators included 12 NSSI variables, as well as suicidal ideation. Logistic regression examined associations between identified classes and related factors. Results In this study, two distinct subgroups were identified: a “high suicidal ideation NSSI group” (n = 129, 39.6%) and a “low suicidal ideation NSSI group” (n = 197, 60.4%). Depression (OR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05–1.16), female (OR = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.09–3.69), left-behind experience (OR = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.17–3.71), single-parent family (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.11–3.04) and peer victimization (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.05) increases the probability of belonging to the “high suicidal ideation NSSI group”. A high level of perceived social support (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99) was a protective factor towards NSSI. Conclusions This study identifies two subgroups of NSSI and the factors associated with each subgroup. The early identification of high-risk groups for major NSSI in adolescents diagnosed with depression is possible due to the identification of correlating factors. Different treatment plans can be developed for different subtypes of NSSI to improve the effectiveness of prevention and intervention, promoting the healthy physical and mental development of adolescents with depression.

Alexithymia and peer victimisation: interconnected pathways to adolescent non-suicidal self-injury

“…However, an important gap remains in our understanding of how these two factors might interactively influence NSSI behaviours. Although studies 15 , 16 have documented the individual contributions of alexithymia and peer victimisation to NSSI, few have delved into their combined effects. Adolescents with high alexithymic traits who also experience peer victimisation might be at elevated risk for NSSI as they navigate the compound challenges of emotional dysregulation and social adversity.…”

Predictors of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with depressive disorder: the role of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment

“…These individuals perceived that their bodies were out of control when compared to adolescents who did not engage in NSSI. It is widely acknowledged that NSSI often takes place in the early to middle stages of adolescence ( He et al, 2023 ). Adolescence is the period when the body is believed to become more significant in one’s self-concept ( Markey, 2010 ),which helps to understand why NSSI manifests itself primarily during this developmental stage.…”

Effect analysis of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with fluoxetine in the treatment of first-episode adolescent depression

“…Cognitive impairment, including language deficits, memory loss, and attention difficulties, is a central symptom of depression that persists throughout the illness and significantly impairs social functioning ( 29 , 30 , 37 ). This study showed that after treatment, the observation group exhibited a significant reduction in false responses and persistent errors on the WCST ( 26 ), along with a notable increase in completed classifications compared to the Sham rTMS group.…”