Neuroimaging Studies of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Youth: A Systematic Review

Author(s)

Branas, Marcelo J. A. A. ^{[1, 2]} ; Croci, Marcos S. ^{[1, 2]} ; Salto, Ana Beatriz Ravagnani ^{[1, 2]} ; Doretto, Victoria F. ^{[1, 2]} ; Martinho, Eduardo ^[1] ; Macedo, Marcos ^[3] ; Miguel, Euripedes C. ^{[1, 2]} ; Roever, Leonardo ^{[1, 2]} ; Pan, Pedro M. ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Psychiat, BR-05403903 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Natl Inst Dev Psychiat Children & Adolescents INP, BR-05403903 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Lab Integrat Neurosci LiNC, BR-04021001 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: LIFE-BASEL; v. 11, n. 8 AUG 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent and affects mainly the youth population. It is prospectively associated with suicide attempts, making it a target for suicide prevention. Recently, several studies have investigated neural pathways of NSSI using neuroimaging. However, there is a lack of systematized appraisal of these findings. This systematic review aims to identify and summarize the main neuroimaging findings of NSSI in youth. We followed PRISMA statement guidelines and searched MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and Google Scholar databases for neuroimaging studies, irrespective of imaging modality, specifically investigating NSSI in samples with a mean age of up to 25 years old. Quality assessment was made using the Newcastle-Ottawa and Joanna Briggs Institute scales. The initial search retrieved 3030 articles; 21 met inclusion criteria, with a total of 938 subjects. Eighteen studies employed functional neuroimaging techniques such as resting-state and task-based fMRI (emotional, interpersonal exposure/social exclusion, pain, reward, and cognitive processing paradigms). Three studies reported on structural MRI. An association of NSSI behavior and altered emotional processing in cortico-limbic neurocircuitry was commonly reported. Additionally, alterations in potential circuits involving pain, reward, interpersonal, self-processing, and executive function control processes were identified. NSSI has complex and diverse neural underpinnings. Future longitudinal studies are needed to understand its developmental aspects better. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50917-0 - INCT 2014: developmental psychiatry for children and adolescents
• Grantee: Eurípedes Constantino Miguel Filho
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants