Neuropsychological and personality traits of adolescent and young adult female patients with depression accompanied by non-suicidal auto-aggression: basis for psychotherapy and neurorehabilitation strategies

BACKGROUND: Depression is often accompanied by cognitive impairments leading to maladaptation, decreased performance, reduced quality of life, and auto-aggression. Thus, it is required to study their basis to develop special therapeutic programs.

AIM: This study identifies the cognitive profile and personality traits of adolescent and young adult patients with depression accompanied by non-suicidal self-harming behavior (NSSHB) as a basis for a neurorehabilitation and psychotherapy program.

METHODS: The study included 50 female patients aged 16–25 (mean age 19±2.2) with various types of depression (F31.3–4; F34.0; F21.3-4+F31.3–4; F60.X+F31.3–4), accompanied by NSSHB (study group). Neuropsychological assessments were conducted using Luria’s neuropsychological battery. The study also involved a personality assessment of patients using a clinical interview and psychometrics. The control group included 50 females aged 16–25 (mean age 18±1.4). Psychometrics included the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) and the Deviant Behavior Manifestations Questionnaire (H-h). Moreover, this part of the study used Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ-SF) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) as an additional tool to assess possible correlations.

RESULTS: The study showed that young female patients with depression and NSSHB had a number of neuropsychological and personality traits, including impaired voluntary emotion regulation and reduced cognitive flexibility. These are potential factors of behavioral deviations leading to maladaptation. The findings indicate the need for a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation of individuals with depressive disorders, integrating neuropsychological techniques and psychotherapy. Special support programs help reduce anxiety and have a positive effect on the patient’s cognition and quality of life. Further research into the integration of these strategies and their long-term impact is suggested, as they may form the basis for more effective non-pharmacological treatments for mental health disorders.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest specific cognitive traits in adolescent and young adult patients with various types of depression accompanied by NSSHB. For higher functions, patients show significant impairment in executive functions, regulatory control, thought process neurodynamics, and general mental activity. The severity of symptoms and their combination may be considered in the context of a specific cognitive and personality profile of this group of patients. Basic neurorehabilitation principles and psychotherapy strategies for such patients were developed based on the collected data.