Attention-Dominated Cognitive Dysfunction May Be a Biological Marker for Distinguishing SA from SI in Adolescents: A Network Analysis Study Based on Adolescent Depression

Abstract

Objective

Suicidal behavior is strongly correlated with depressive symptoms and the degree of suicidal ideation. Cognitive impairment may have varying degrees of influence on suicidal ideation (SI) and suicidal attempts (SA). The aim of this study was to identify the cognitive biomarkers that distinguish suicidal ideation from suicidal attempts in adolescents.

Methods

The cross-sectional sample comprised 54 adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 32 healthy controls (HC). The THINC-it was utilized to assess cognitive function of all the samples. Suicidal ideation was examined by the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Scale (PANSI). Based on the type of data, one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis was performed to investigate group differences. Bonferroni post-hoc analysis was employed for regulating type I error for pairwise comparisons. Network analysis was used to compare the networks associated with suicidal ideation, depression symptoms, and cognitive function between SA and SI.

Results

The depression symptoms (HAMD-17) (F=72.515, P<0.001) and suicidal ideation (PANSI) (F=267.952, P<0.001) in the SA were higher than those in the SI. Analysis of between-group differences showed SA performed worse in THINC-it, especially in “Spotter (SP)” (P=0.033), “Objective cognition score (OS)” (P=0.027) and “Composite score (CS)” (P=0.017). Compared with SI, network analysis revealed that SA had a unique network of cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Nevertheless, both networks exhibit comparable performance concerning the node strength of cognitive function. Within their separate networks, the aspects of CS, OS, and SP have emerged as the three most crucial elements.

Conclusion

Adolescents with SI or SA exhibit a broad spectrum of cognitive impairments. Attention impairment can be beneficial in discerning between SI and SA. Future interventions for adolescent suicide can center on attention and the comprehensive cognitive ability that it represents.

Keywords:

• attention impairment
• suicide ideation
• suicide attempts
• adolescent
• THINC-it tool
• network analysis

Data Sharing Statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article material. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s.

Ethics Statement

The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by the Research Committee of the Hebei Provincial Mental Health Center. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the subjects and scholars who contributed to this study. At last, thanks to the support of the Hebei Provincial Mental Health Center.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Program of Medical Science Research of Hebei Province (20220700).