Age-related clinical symptom network of depressive disorders

Depressive disorder is a prevalent mental illness that exhibits distinct symptom profiles across life stages. This study examined age-related differences in core psychopathological symptoms and network structures among individuals with depressive disorders, using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). A total of 524 patients aged 18-65 years were stratified into four age groups: late adolescence (18-25), early adulthood (26-35), mid-adulthood (36-50), and late mid-adulthood (51-65). Generalized linear modeling was used to assess group differences in MMPI-2 scales, and network analysis was conducted to explore variations in symptom connectivity and centrality across age. Results revealed distinct symptom patterns and symptom-trait associations across developmental stages. The late adolescence group showed heightened emotional instability, impulsivity, and interpersonal conflict, with elevated scores on paranoia, anxiety, and social introversion. Network analysis including MMPI-2 clinical and Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) scales showed stronger disconstraint (DISC) and negative emotionality (NEGE) in younger groups. In early adulthood, symptom networks were denser with increased interpersonal distrust and stronger links between impulsivity-related traits and symptoms. Mid-adulthood showed more fixed patterns centered on interpersonal conflict, while late mid-adulthood exhibited lower overall network density but stronger associations between introversion-related traits (INTR) and internalized distress. Centrality analysis confirmed that schizophrenia (Sc), psychasthenia (Pt), and depression (D) scales remained central across all age groups. These findings highlight meaningful age-related variations in depressive psychopathology and support dimensional, developmentally sensitive approaches to assessment and intervention.