Loneliness in psychosis: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Social Science

Background:

• Loneliness is a significant concern in individuals with psychosis, yet its relationship with psychological and social factors remains unclear.
• Understanding these connections is vital for developing effective support systems for this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and understand the relationships between loneliness and associated psychological and social factors in individuals with psychosis.
• To inform the development of psychosocial interventions specifically targeting loneliness in people experiencing psychosis.

Main Methods:

• Adherence to PRISMA guidelines for systematic review.
• Inclusion of ten empirical studies measuring loneliness in individuals with psychotic disorders.
• Analysis of loneliness as a main outcome or associated variable.

Main Results:

• Significant heterogeneity in loneliness assessment across studies.
• Contradictory findings regarding the link between loneliness and psychotic symptoms.
• Loneliness in psychosis is associated with depression, anxiety, poor social support, low quality of life, internalized stigma, perceived discrimination, and low self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• The precise relationship between loneliness and psychosis requires further investigation through rigorous studies.
• There is a critical need for psychosocial interventions tailored to address loneliness in individuals with psychosis.
• Interventions must consider psychosis-specific barriers such as social skill deficits and negative symptoms to be effective.