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Genetic and neurobiological mechanisms underlying transition in self-injury thoughts and behaviours during adolescence
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 July 2025
Abstract
Background
Adolescence is a pivotal stage for brain development and a critical window for the emergence and transition of self-injury thoughts and behaviours (SITBs). However, the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms underlying SITBs transition during this developmental period are poorly understood.
Aims
This study investigates associations among genetic predispositions, brain abnormalities and SITBs transition during adolescence, and identifies potential neurobiological and clinical mediators of genetic effects.
Method
This national retrospective cohort study analysed 5-year longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study® (N = 11 868 children aged 9–10 years at baseline). Logistic regression models identified genetic susceptibility and neurobiological abnormalities associated with SITBs transition over a 4-year period. Generalised additive models characterised genetic risk trajectories and critical developmental periods. Mediation analyses examined neurobiological and clinical pathways linking genetic susceptibility to SITBs.
Results
Our findings highlight a notable correlation between SITBs transition and genetic susceptibility, including polygenic risk scores for suicide attempt, ever contemplated self-harm and ever self-harm. The analysis indicates that ages 10–15 years may be a critical period during which genetic risk exerts its most pronounced influence. Structural and functional brain imaging detected some alterations, particularly in grey matter volume (GMV) of the left ventral posterior cingulate cortex, alongside disrupted resting-state functional connectivity in the dorsal attention and default mode networks. Mediation analysis suggests that the association between genetic susceptibility and SITBs transition over 4 years may be partially mediated by GMV changes in the left inferior frontal sulcus, altered resting-state connectivity between the auditory and sensorimotor hand networks and the p-factor.
Conclusions
These results may offer insights into integrating genetic, neurobiological and clinical data to enhance the accuracy of suicide risk stratification in adolescents, and inform the development of more nuanced and targeted early intervention strategies.
Information
- Type
- Original Article
- Information
- Copyright
- © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Royal College of Psychiatrists
Footnotes
*
X.W. and Y.S. are joint first authors.
#
W.Y. and R.C. are co-corresponding and co-leading authors, and jointly supervised the work.
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