Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder: The Role of Chronotype and Anhedonia
Öz
Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common behavior among adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). Although depression severity is often emphasized, emerging evidence suggests that anhedonia and circadian characteristics may also contribute to NSSI. This study examined associations between NSSI, anhedonia, and chronotype in adolescents with MDD.
Methods: The study included 104 adolescents (aged 12–18 years) with MDD, divided into NSSI+ (n = 52) and NSSI− (n = 52) groups. NSSI was assessed through a clinical interview based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) criteria. Depression severity, anhedonia, and chronotype were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), and Children’s Chronotype Questionnaire (CCTQ). Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and hierarchical logistic regression models were performed.
Results: Adolescents with NSSI showed significantly higher SHAPS (p < 0.001), BDI (p = 0.007), and CCTQ scores (p < 0.001). SHAPS and CCTQ scores showed moderate positive correlations with NSSI (both p < 0.001), whereas BDI scores showed a weaker association (p = 0.007). In regression analyses, parental psychiatric history (p = 0.006), SHAPS (p = 0.027), and CCTQ scores (p = 0.018) remained significant independent predictors of NSSI, whereas BDI scores lost statistical significance (p = 0.621).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that NSSI in adolescents with MDD may show stronger associations with specific dimensions such as anhedonia and circadian characteristics than with overall depression severity.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Non-suicidal self-injury, Adolescents, Major depressive disorder, Anhedonia, Chronotype
Destekleyen Kurum
No funding was received for the study.
Etik Beyan
Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the local ethics committee (Approval No: 2026/26101). Written and verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants and their legal guardians prior to participation. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Teşekkür
The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Selcuk Esin for his valuable contributions to this study.
Kaynakça
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