Characteristics of non-suicidal self-injury in children and adolescents with anxiety and depressive disorders

Abstract

Objective To explore the characteristics of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and depressive disorders, in order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical interventions. Methods From October 2019 to October 2023, 135 subjects were investigated through convenience sampling method from the Child and Adolescent Psychological Counseling Clinic at the Shanghai Mental Health Center between October 2019 and October 2023.The Ottawa Self-Injury Questionnaire was used to measure self-injury methods and motivations.The Children′s Depression Inventory, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Coping Style Questionnaire for Middle School Students were employed to assess levels of anxiety and depression, parenting environment, and coping characteristics.Independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare differences between the two groups. Results A total of 135 participants aged 9 to 17 were included, with 37 having anxiety disorders accompanied by NSSI and 98 having depressive disorders accompanied by NSSI.Compared to the anxiety disorder group, the depressive disorder group with NSSI exhibited more detection rates of self-injury on the arms (χ²=4.22, P=0.04).The rate of cutting as a method of self-injury was significantly higher in the depressive disorder group with NSSI than in the anxiety disorder group (χ²=4.92, P=0.03), while nail-biting was significantly more common in the anxiety disorder group with NSSI than in the depressive disorder group with NSSI (χ²=5.11, P=0.02).Compared to the anxiety disorder group with NSSI, the depressive disorder group with NSSI had a higher motivation for sensation-seeking (P<0.05).The depressive disorder group with NSSI also experienced more emotional neglect/abuse and physical neglect/abuse during childhood, felt less emotional warmth from both parents, and used problem-solving coping strategies less frequently (P<0.05). Conclusions Children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and depressive disorders accompanied by NSSI exhibit different characteristics in terms of self-injury locations and motivations.Therefore, targeted intervention plans should be designed.

Keywords

anxiety disorder / depressive disorder / adolescent / non-suicidal self-injury