A latent profile analysis and network analysis of comorbidity of depression and anxiety in left-behind adolescents.

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent and often co-occurring mental health issues among adolescents, with comorbidity leading to poorer outcomes and additional challenges. Left-behind adolescents-a unique group experiencing disrupted parent-child relationships and limited social support-may face a higher risk of such comorbidity. Yet, few studies have examined the depression-anxiety network in this population.

OBJECTIVE

Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified subgroups with similar symptom patterns, and network analysis visualized the structure of comorbidities. Network comparison tests evaluated differences across subgroups.

METHODS

Based on the "Science Database of People Mental Health" managed by the National Population Health Data Center (China), a total of 3,205 left-behind adolescents (1,538 males; 1,667 females) were included. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 were used to assess depression and anxiety among left-behind adolescents.

RESULTS

Three distinct profiles were identified: high-comorbidity (8.2%), moderate-comorbidity (28.7%), and low-comorbidity (63.1%). Network structures and global strength differed significantly between subgroups. "Restlessness" was the central bridge symptom in the high-comorbidity group, while "Nervousness" was central in the moderate- and low-comorbidity groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest tailored interventions targeting subgroup-specific bridge symptoms-such as restlessness or nervousness-may improve outcomes for left-behind adolescents with comorbid depression and anxiety.