Exploring nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents with emotional disorders: Electroencephalogram and psychological assessment

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent and strongly associated with suicide deaths in adolescents. As such, understanding the physiological and psychological factors influencing NSSI is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This study explored neurophysiological and emotional factors for NSSI in adolescents with emotional disorders. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 108 adolescents, including 39 in the NSSI group and 69 in the non-NSSI group, who underwent electroencephalogram (EEG) assessments and completed the Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Results showed that the NSSI group had higher scores for anxiety, depression, and overall psychiatric symptoms than the non-NSSI group. Logistic regression revealed a strong association between NSSI and high anxiety, depression, and SCL-90 symptoms, as well as a longer (vs. shorter) illness duration. EEG data showed depression tendency and tension indices were linked to NSSI behaviors. This study highlights the importance of integrating EEG and psychological assessments for early identification and intervention in at-risk adolescents.