Anxiety and Depression Symptoms of Adolescents With Non‐Suicidal Self‐Injury: A Network Analysis Study

AIMS: To explore the complex relationships among non-suicidal self-injury, depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents, identify key symptoms and provide a theoretical foundation for targeted interventions. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: In total, 1126 adolescents from a tertiary hospital in Shandong Province were assessed using the Adolescent Self-Injury Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale. Network analysis was employed to construct symptom networks and identify central and bridging symptoms. RESULTS: The network analysis revealed that nodes GAD5 (Restlessness), GAD2 (Uncontrollable worry), and GAD4 (Trouble relaxing) exhibited the highest centrality indices, establishing them as core symptoms within the overall symptom network. The highest bridge intensity nodes were GAD1 (Nervousness), GAD5 (Restlessness) and non-suicidal self-injury. CONCLUSION: By accurately identifying core and bridging symptoms, a scientific foundation is provided for developing precise and effective symptom management plans. IMPACT: The study identified the most influential nodes in anxiety and depression among adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury. The findings would help in carrying out personalised and precise interventions to reduce non-suicidal self-injury occurrence and alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescents. REPORTING METHOD: This study adheres to the STROBE guideline of reporting. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.