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social isolation

·November 29, 2022·4 min read

Toward Early Detection of the Pathological Social Withdrawal Syndrome Known as ‘Hikikomori’

Hikikomori is a complex condition where a person withdraws from society and remains isolated at home for more than six months. The condition is becoming more prevalent in Western societies. Researchers have developed a new method designed to help detect hikikomori at an earlier stage and provide treatment.

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·August 3, 2022·3 min read

Cumulative Loneliness Associated With Accelerated Memory Aging in Older Adults

Feeling lonely for extended periods of time was associated with more rapid memory decline in those aged over 65.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 2, 2022·4 min read

The Cost of Loneliness

Researchers discuss the detrimental psychological, physical, and economic impact of loneliness.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 17, 2022·5 min read

Socially Isolated People Have Differently Wired Brains and Poorer Cognition

Social isolation is linked to alterations in brain structure and cognitive deficits. Additionally, social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia as a person ages.

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·June 9, 2022·4 min read

Social Isolation Is Directly Associated With Later Dementia

Social isolation has been directly linked to structural changes in brain areas associated with memory and cognitive function. Researchers report socially isolated people are 26% more likely to develop dementia later in life.

This shows a woman sitting alone on a dock

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 1, 2022·4 min read

Finding the Biological Roots for the Pathological Social Withdrawal Known as ‘Hikikomori’

Hikikomori is a mental health disorder identified as a pathological social withdrawal. Researchers have discovered a number of biomarkers in the blood associated with hikikomori.

This shows a little boy on a skate board

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 21, 2022·3 min read

Social Isolation in Childhood Is Associated With ADHD Symptoms and Loneliness in Young Adulthood

Young children who experience social isolation are at risk of being diagnosed with ADHD and face loneliness as adults, a new study reports.

This shows a child walking alone, carrying a stuffed lion

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 19, 2022·4 min read

Childhood Circumstances and Personality Traits Are Associated With Loneliness in Older Age

A combination of personality traits and childhood circumstances account for why some older people experience loneliness more than others. Lonely adults over 50 were 1.24 times more likely to have rarely, or never, had comfortable friendships during childhood, and 1.34 times more likely to have had poor relationships with their mothers as children.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2022·6 min read

Social Isolation Can Cause Depression for Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Using artificial intelligence technology, researchers have identified both risk and protective factors for depression in middle-aged to older adults. Social isolation, the study found, was the biggest risk factor for depression, followed by mobility difficulties and health issues.

This shows a man standing alone, looking out onto a stream at night time

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 5, 2022·4 min read

Choosing to Be With Others Is More Consequential to Well-Being Than Choosing to Be Alone

The element of choice in whether we choose to be alone or interact with others plays a key role in personal wellbeing.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 8, 2022·4 min read

Amylin Peptide in the Brain Senses Isolation and Drives Social Contact-Seeking Behavior

Contact-seeking behavior in mice is driven by amylin peptide in the medial preoptic area of the forebrain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·February 8, 2022·5 min read

Loneliness Associated With Increased Risk of Dementia in Older Adults

Study reports a three-fold increased risk of developing dementia in older adults with no genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, who experience social isolation and loneliness.