Many people reported they felt like time was passing differently during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. Researchers explore how the pandemic has contributed to the feeling of time distortion. Read More
Combining brain stimulation directed at areas of the prefrontal cortex and emotional regulation strategies helps to improve emotional response in those with psychiatric disorders. Read More
Neuroimaging reveals several differences in the brains of lonely people, specifically in the default network. Researchers found greater gray matter density and stronger connectivity in the default networks of lonely people. Read More
Activity in the substantia nigra is similar following a day of social isolation as it is following a day of starvation. Read More
People with Parkinson's disease who have less social interaction are at greater risk for developing more severe symptoms of the disease than those who are less lonely. Read More
Researchers explore the "sociocultural mental health phenomena" of Hikikomori, a disorder in which people socially isolate for extended periods of time. Read More
Women aged 45 to 85 without partners and who didn't engage in frequent social activities had a higher rate of hypertension. Widowed women were most likely to exhibit symptoms of hypertension. Read More
Social isolation experienced during childhood has an impact on adult brain function and behavior. Following two weeks of social isolation immediately following weaning in male mice, researchers noticed a failure in activation of medial prefrontal cortex neurons projecting to the posterior paraventricular thalamus during social exposure in adulthood. Findings suggest medial prefrontal cortex neurons required for sociability are profoundly affected by social isolation at a young age. Read More
Active social connection is the strongest protective factor for depression, a new study reports. Additionally, reducing sedentary activities such as watching TV or taking a nap can also help lower depression risk. Read More
People experience loneliness differently in adult life, depending on their age. The strongest association with loneliness is feeling excluded from society. Read More
Study reveals how the brain's opioid system is linked to mood changes associated with depression and anxiety. Neuroimaging revealed, in those with depression, there is a decreased number of opioid receptors in specific areas of the brain. Read More
In the medial prefrontal cortex, loneliness is associated with a reduced representational similarity between the self and others. Feeling socially disconnected may be mirrored by a self-representation of being a "loner." Read More
