Network analysis of first-onset depression and borderline personality traits: results from a 1-year longitudinal study in 7474 community-based residents.

BACKGROUND

This study used network analysis to investigate the characteristics in the networks of first-onset depression and borderline personality traits (BPTs) among community residents, aiming to enhance community-based mental disorders prevention.

METHODS

Depression and BPTs among 7474 samples were assessed using PHQ-9 and BPTs module of DSM-5. Centrality indices and bridge centrality indices were measured to identify the central and bridge symptoms in the networks. The stability and accuracy of the networks were estimated. Additionally, a Network Comparison Test was conducted to evaluate potential gender differences.

RESULTS

Females had a significantly higher prevalence of first-onset depression (12.25 % vs. 9.05 %, P < 0.01) and scores (P < 0.01) than males. Males had higher total BPT scores than females (P = 0.02), despite no gender differences in prevalence. Fatigue and sad mood emerged as central symptoms in the first-onset depression and BPTs network, while feeling of emptiness and impulsivity served as key symptoms connecting the two node communities. Especially impulsivity was identified as a risk factor for first-onset depression in males (OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.20-2.90, P = 0.01). Additionally, the network characteristics of first-onset depression and BPTs showed relative consistency across genders.

LIMITATIONS: Self-reported data limits diagnostic accuracy, and the limited follow-up restricts capturing long-term dynamics between first-onset depression and BPTs.

CONCLUSION

The core and bridge symptoms identified in this study are key targets for alleviating first-onset depression and BPTs. While developing universal prevention strategies, specific gender-sensitive interventions for particular symptoms should also be considered.