Social isolation and loneliness have become increasingly prevalent in today’s society, with an estimated one-third of adults in the United States reporting feelings of loneliness. While social isolation can have negative effects on mental health, recent research has also shown that it can have a significant impact on physical health.
Social isolation is a recognized factor that contributes to mental health conditions, and it is often considered a “soft” factor. However, the recent discovery of the upregulation of neurokinin B (NkB) in the brain as a result of social isolation can provide a measurable means to support the study of social isolation’s effects. This finding underscores the importance of considering social isolation as a significant factor in the development of behavioral changes.
Other studies have also linked social isolation to a range of negative health outcomes. A meta-analysis of 148 studies conducted by Holt-Lunstad and colleagues in 2015 found that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 29% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. Furthermore, social isolation has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline, depression, and even premature death.
The impact of social isolation on physical health is particularly pronounced in older adults. A study conducted by Shankar and colleagues in 2013 found that social isolation is associated with an increased risk of mortality in older adults, independent of other health factors such as chronic diseases and functional impairments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the negative effects of social isolation on health. A study published in the Lancet in 2020 found that the pandemic-related lockdowns and social distancing measures have resulted in increased levels of loneliness and mental health problems, which can have long-term impacts on physical health.
In conclusion, social isolation can have a significant impact on physical and mental health. Interventions to prevent or treat social isolation, particularly in older adults and during times of social disruption such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are crucial for promoting overall health and well-being.
Simply exposing oneself to the presence of other people can be an effective treatment.
References:
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.
Shankar, A., Hamer, M., McMunn, A., & Steptoe, A. (2013). Social isolation and loneliness: Relationships with cognitive function during 4 years of follow-up in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Psychosomatic Medicine, 75(2), 161-170.
Zelikowsky M, Hui M, Karigo T et al. The Neuropeptide Tac2 Controls a Distributed Brain State Induced by Chronic Social Isolation Stress. Cell, Vol. 173, S. 1265–1279. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2018.03.037
Zilkha N, Kimchi T A molecular signature for social isolation identified in the brain. Nature, Vol. 559, S. 38-40. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-05447-9
Cacioppo, J. T., & Hawkley, L. C. (2009). Perceived social isolation and cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(10), 447-454.
