Exploratory Analysis of Behavioral Impulsivity, Pro-inflammatory Cytokines, and Resting-State Frontal EEG Activity Associated With Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Patients With Mood Disorder.

Ji Sun Kim,Yong Chun Bahk,Ji Hyun Baek,Ji Hyun Baek,Eun-Sook Kang,Eun-Sook Kang,Kyung Sue Hong,Sunglee Jang,Kyung Sue Hong

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00124

Abstract

Introduction: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a rapidly increasing mental health problem that requires more clinical attention. In this study, we aimed to explore the biobehavioral markers of NSSI in participants with mood disorders.Methods: A total of 45 participants with mood disorders (bipolar I, II, and major depressive disorder) were included in the study. Behavioral impulsivity was measured using the immediate memory task (IMT)/delayed memory task (DMT) and the go-no-go (GNG) tests. Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) were measured.Results: The NSSI group had shorter GNG reaction time (GNG-RT) and higher TNF-α levels compared to the non-NSSI group. TNF-α was positively correlated with frontal theta power. In addition, GNG-RT showed a significant positive association with frontal alpha activity.Conclusion: NSSI in mood disorders was associated with increased behavioral impulsivity and greater inflammation. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines were associated with frontal theta power. Increased inflammation might change major neurotransmitter metabolism, which eventually affects frontal function and decreases response inhibition. Further studies to explore their causal relationship are warranted.

Highlights

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a rapidly increasing mental health problem that requires more clinical attention
A recent meta-analysis of task-based measures of impulsivity suggested that behavioral impulsivity, difficulty preventing the initiation of a behavior or stopping a behavior that has already been initiated [5], could be a proximal risk factor for NSSI [4]
We aimed to explore the biomarkers of NSSI in patients with mood disorders, focusing on behavioral impulsivity, proinflammatory cytokines, and resting frontal quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) activity

Summary

Introduction

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a rapidly increasing mental health problem that requires more clinical attention. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as the direct and deliberate destruction of one’s own bodily tissue in the absence of suicidal intent, has recently increased among young people [1]. One mechanism that can link NSSI to suicide is impulsivity. Previous studies reported that NSSI was associated with increased impulsivity [3, 4]. It is still unknown what types of impulsivity is directly associated with NSSI. A recent meta-analysis of task-based measures of impulsivity suggested that behavioral impulsivity, difficulty preventing the initiation of a behavior or stopping a behavior that has already been initiated [5], could be a proximal risk factor for NSSI [4]

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Results

Conclusion