Social support and delusional-like experiences: a nationwide population-based study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Social Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Delusional-like experiences (DLEs) are prevalent in the general population.
• Existing research links social support to mental illness, but not specifically to DLEs.
• This study addresses the gap by examining the association between social support and DLEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between social support and DLEs.
• To utilize a large, nationally representative community sample for robust findings.
• To provide empirical data on this under-researched association.

Main Methods:

• A national probability survey of 8841 adults (aged 16-85) was conducted.
• The Composite International Diagnostic Interview identified DLEs and psychiatric disorders.
• Logistic regression analyzed the association between DLEs and social support, controlling for confounders.

Main Results:

• 8.4% of the sample reported one or more DLEs.
• Individuals with less frequent contact with friends were significantly more likely to have DLEs.
• Those unable to rely on partners, family, or friends also showed a higher likelihood of DLEs, even after adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Impoverished social support is associated with DLEs in the general population.
• While DLEs might reduce social support, poor support may causally contribute to DLE risk.
• Findings highlight the importance of social support in understanding DLEs.