A 2026 pilot randomized trial involving 36 older U.S. veterans with PTSD symptoms found that a structured social-function group therapy produced stronger signals for romantic and family functioning than a support group, with condition-by-time effects of eta-squared = 0.072 and eta-squared = 0.112. The same trial did not show a specific advantage for friendships and …
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling multisystem illness marked by post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction, pain, sleep disruption, and autonomic symptoms; a 2026 PLOS One qualitative analysis of 505 memorial entries found that bereaved accounts repeatedly placed death inside 4 overlapping contexts: systemic neglect, clinical dismissal, social disconnection, and personal functional collapse.1 Research Highlights …
Loneliness raises measured risk of Alzheimer’s, suicidal ideation, and completed suicide. The associations are documented; the precise magnitudes are not.
In Japan, a country facing unique demographic challenges, loneliness has emerged as a pressing public health issue, intricately linked with the phenomenon known as hikikomori, or extreme social withdrawal. Through a detailed analysis of a nationwide survey and various factors influencing loneliness, a new study sheds light on the complexity of social isolation in modern …
In a comprehensive analysis of the 2021 National Health Interview Survey, stark differences in self-reported feelings of depression based on living arrangements come to light. The study reveals that adults living alone are more likely to report feelings of depression compared to those living with others, underscoring the complex interplay between social dynamics and mental …
Social isolation is a phenomenon that transcends species, affecting individuals from diverse biological backgrounds in profound ways. It is not just a human experience but a universal condition with deep-rooted impacts on mental health and behavior. Highlights: Social Isolation Across Species: From humans to fruit flies, social isolation has universal, profound impacts on mental health …
The extreme environment of spaceflight induces a myriad of stresses on astronauts – and these stresses may negatively impact mental health, neuroplasticity, and cognitive abilities. New research offers insight into the neurological mechanisms underlying these effects. Key Facts: Prolonged spaceflight can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in astronauts. The composite stresses of the …