To characterize resting-state EEG microstate dynamics in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and examine state-dependent changes following acute social exclusion.
Approach:
Study Design: Resting-state EEG was recorded in hospitalized, medicated adolescents with NSSI and healthy controls (HCs).
Experimental Conditions: An NSSI subgroup completed EEG assessments before and after either Cyberball-induced social exclusion or a non-stress control condition.
Data Analysis: Microstate parameters and transition probabilities were analyzed.
Key Findings:
Reduced microstate A duration in the NSSI group compared to HCs after multiple-comparison correction.
Shorter durations of microstates B and F, higher occurrence of microstate D, and increased FâD transition probability in exploratory analyses.
Within the NSSI group, the exclusion condition showed reduced microstate A and increased microstate D expression.
Interpretation:
Resting-state microstate dynamics in adolescents with NSSI differ from HCs, particularly in microstate A duration, and reorganize after social exclusion.
Limitations:
Absence of an MDD-only clinical-control group.
Lack of healthy Cyberball comparison.
Modest sample size limits generalizability.
Conclusion:
Preliminary findings indicate distinct microstate dynamics in NSSI adolescents.
