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. 2020 Feb 26:11:124.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00124. eCollection 2020.

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  1 , Eun-Sook Kang  2 , Yong Chun Bahk  3 , Sunglee Jang  3 , Kyung Sue Hong  4 , Ji Hyun Baek  4
Affiliations
Free PMC article

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 et al. Front Psychiatry. .
Free PMC article

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.

Keywords: TNF-α; behavioral impulsivity; frontal theta; mood disorder; non-suicidal self-injury; resting Qeeg.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparison of behavioral impulsivity between NSSI and non-NSSI group. (A) Comparison of Barratt impulsivity (BIS) score (B) mean reaction time for behavioral tasks (C) commission error for behavioral tasks. NSSI, non-suicidal self-injury. Covariates: age and sex. *p < 0.05.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of levels of inflammatory markers between NSSI and non-NSSI groups. NSSI, non-suicidal self-injury. Covariates: age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). *p < 0.05.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Scatterplot for the relationship between TNF-alpha level and relative power of frontal theta wave.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Scatterplot for the relationship between Go-no-Go test mean reaction time and relative powers of (A) alpha wave and (B) beta wave.
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