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

## TL;DR

The study explores how depression and anxiety co-occur in left-behind adolescents, identifying subgroups with different symptom patterns and suggesting targeted interventions.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel application of latent profile and network analysis to understand comorbidity patterns in left-behind adolescents.

## Key findings

- Three subgroups of adolescents were identified based on comorbidity levels: high, moderate, and low.
- Restlessness was a central symptom in the high-comorbidity group, while nervousness was central in the moderate- and low-comorbidity groups.
- Tailored interventions targeting specific bridge symptoms may improve mental health outcomes in this population.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.