Lonely people are more likely to take medication for depression, psychosis and other mental health disorders.
In a new study, researchers are looking at whether lonely people are more prone to problems such as depression and psychosis. Based on medication use, the correlation is clear.
“The risk of a lonely person also struggling with mental health problems is greater than for people who are not lonely,” says Rodríguez-Cano.
The results have been published in BJPsych Open.
The mental health problems identified by the study are both serious and wide-ranging.
“Our research indicates that loneliness increases the risk of developing psychosis, bipolar disorders and severe depression,” says Rodríguez-Cano.
But is it loneliness that causes the mental health problems, or is it the mental health problems that cause people to feel lonely?
It can be both.
“When evaluating how loneliness develops from adolescence to adulthood, we found that people with psychotic and bipolar disorders are more likely to experience increased loneliness after adolescence.
Although we cannot identify causality in our study, the correlation between loneliness and serious mental illness is clear from a long-term perspective,” says Associate Professor Rodríguez-Cano.
Researchers have found a clear correlation between loneliness and several serious mental health problems, including depression, psychosis, and bipolar disorder. The study, published in BJPsych Open, followed over 2,600 people in Norway for more than 20 years and found that lonely individuals were more likely to take medication for these mental health conditions compared to those who were not lonely.
The researchers explain that loneliness can both contribute to the development of mental health problems and also result from them. For example, people experiencing the early stages of mental illness during adolescence may struggle with social relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness that worsen their condition. Conversely, those who generally feel lonely may develop low self-esteem, which can then increase their risk of mental disorders later in life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness and mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Call Rehab Near Me at 855-339-1112 to speak with an addiction specialist who can connect you with evidence-based treatment options and support services in your local area. Taking that first step can make all the difference in your journey to better mental wellness.
Researchers Find a Correlation Between Loneliness and Several Mental Health Problems https://t.co/3sjyabw82f #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
— RehabNearMe (@RehabNear_Me) June 24, 2024
