Abstract:

Objective To discuss the differences in depression symptoms between genders and between only-children and non-only-children among adolescents through symptom network analysis of adolescent depression. Methods A total of 650 adolescents were randomly selected from Chaoyang District， Changchun City， Jilin Province，and they were as the study samples. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 （PHQ-9） was used to assess depression symptoms in the adolescents； network analysis was performed on the survey results to identify the core symptoms of adolescent depression and to compare gender differences and differences between only-children and non-only-children in depression symptoms. Results The core symptoms of the adolescent depression were depressed mood ［Closeness（Clo）=1.700 5， Strength（Str）=1.722 8］ and lack of energy ［Betweenness（Bet）=1.875 1］. No significant differences in core symptoms were observed between males and females， but significant differences were found between only-children and non-only-children. Depression manifestations in the only-children also included psychomotor agitation or retardation. In the depression symptom network of the adolescents， the strongest edge connection was between anhedonia and depressed mood ［Edge strength（Edge strength）=0.322 5］， and significant differences were observed between genders and between only-children and non-only-children. The symptom network in male adolescents was consistent with the overall pattern， whereas in female adolescents， the strongest connection was the biggest between psychomotor agitation or retardation and suicidal ideation or self-harm （Edge strength=0.320 5）. The symptom network in only-children was consistent with the overall pattern， whereas in non-only-children， the strongest connection was between depressed mood and feelings of worthlessness （Edge strength=0.287 4）. Conclusion The core symptoms of the adolescent depression exhibit differences between only-children and non-only-children， and the edge strengths in the symptom network show variations by gender and between only-children and non-only-children.

Key words: Network analysis, Adolescents, Depression, Gender, Non-only-children