The physical and mental health consequences of social isolation and loneliness in the context of COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose of reviewSocial isolation and loneliness are known contributors to all-cause mortality as well as a range of physical and mental health conditions. Therefore, this article reviews current literature pertaining to the effects of social isolation and loneliness on physical and mental health during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Recent findingsSocial isolation and loneliness contribute to a myriad of physical and mental health conditions. Specifically social isolation and loneliness contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. However, most research indicated that poor lifestyle factors explained most of the association. Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with cognitive problems including dementia, immune system problems, and mental health conditions. Further social isolation and loneliness also spur behavioral issues that significantly affect physical and mental health.

Links between COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease/Alzheimer’s disease: reciprocal impacts, medical care strategies and underlying mechanisms

“…In addition to the possible direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the development of dementia, previous studies suggested that social isolation and loneliness are related to cognitive decline and the risk of future dementia [ 137 ]. In particular, a recent study by Shen and colleagues utilizing a UK-Biobank cohort of 462,619 participants with a mean follow-up period of 11.7 years indicated that social isolation is associated with a 1.26-fold increase of risk of developing dementia, which is independent of loneliness and other risk factors [ 138 ].…”

The Impact of Lockdown during COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health of Adolescents

“…13 Such phenomenon reinforced the association of social isolation and loneliness with eating disorders, particularly overeating and binge eating as a coping mechanism, contributing to weight gain and obesity via excess caloric balance. 5,19,20…”

“…The result of a negative psychological impact could be permanent and fuels additional undesirable physical health outcomes long-term. 5,43…”

“…3,4 The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new physical consequences and emotional stress that compound this fragile adolescent period via disruption to social opportunities, which resulted in isolation, loneliness, and deprivation of various routine services. 5 This has come as a result of the enormous effort invested by health authorities and governments to mitigate the rapid viral transmission through social and physical distancing directives, isolations and quarantines, and lockdowns as a last resort. While these measures served their purposes and facilitated alleviation of one specific health burden for the general population, they are inevitably without their costs to other aspects of physical and mental health for adolescents (Fig 1).…”

Editorial: The mental health in post-COVID-19 era: challenges and consequences

“…Evidence suggests that social isolation and loneliness have significant consequences on the physical and mental health and that the move towards ending all lock-down and social distancing measures against COVID-19 has important significant implications for the vulnerable. Furthermore, the similarities between the effects of social isolation and loneliness are compared to some of the conditions evident in long-COVID [1].…”