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PubMedDate not supplied

[Human social activity under conditions of relative social isolation].

The differences in using a "social isolation" concept in the psychological literature are presented. The term of "relative social isolation" is clarified. A relationship between human adaptation to the relative social isolation environments and the development of his social qualities and social activities is presented. The "social context", dictating motivation attitudes of a man to the isolation situation, emotional experiences, self-appraisal of activity is of crucial importance for evaluating the real environments of relative social isolations. Social activity of a personality is studied as the relations of a man with the conditions of his activity. The results of studying the dynamics of the psychic state of a man during individual and group isolation are compared. It is concluded that social activity of man and his functional state are interrelated. The particular manifestations and direction of the changes in the social activity of the subject depend on the duration of isolation and are determined first of all by social significance and meaningful and balanced work for a person as well as by the amount and frequency of direct and mediated social contacts under specific conditions of relative social isolation.

Humans↗

PubMed2003

Autoradiographic analyses of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors after social isolation in mice.

Social isolation of rodents is used to model human psychopathological processes. In the present study, the effects of intermediate and long term isolation housing on postsynaptic 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors were analyzed in male mice housed in groups or isolation for 4 and 12 weeks. [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]ketanserin were used to label 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. Four representative sagittal sections (planes 1-4) were scored by in vitro autoradiography. Whereas after 4 weeks of housing both receptor densities were lowered significantly in isolated mice, after 12 weeks of housing only marginal isolation effects were seen. Intermediate isolation reduced 5-HT(1A) receptors especially in the lateral frontal, parietal and entorhinal cortex (-63%), in the lateral CA1-3 and dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus (-68%), in the basolateral, basomedial, central and medial amygdaloid nuclei (between -38 and -66%), and in the hypothalamus (-28%). 5-HT(2A) receptors were strongly reduced in the frontal cortex (between -47 and -74%), in the hippocampus (between -47 and -95%), in the striatum (between -66 and -76%), and in the accumbens nucleus (between -59 and -73%) in comparison to group housed control mice. After 12 weeks of isolation in the hippocampus continuously decreased 5-HT(1A) receptor densities were demonstrated (between -24 and -61%). But increased 5-HT(2A) receptor densities were seen in the lateral striatum (+86%) compared to control mice. Age-dependent effects were also found. After 12 weeks of group housing the 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor densities were decreased (between -28 and -54%) in all analyzed brain regions in comparison to 4 weeks of group housing. Isolated animals showed diminished 5-HT(1A) receptor densities in the cortex (-14%) and hippocampus (-15%), but increased 5-HT(1A) receptor densities in the amygdala (+33%) after 12 weeks. The 5-HT(2A) receptor densities were increased in all analyzed regions (between +31 and +96%) after 12 weeks of isolation compared to 4 weeks. To explain these dynamic, time-dependent pattern of isolation-induced changes different regulation processes are supposed regarding 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. Besides metabolism-related adaptation processes also neurotransmitter and hormonal (e.g., glucocorticoid) interactions especially in limbic regions have to be considered.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Social isolation stress and neuroactive steroids.

Social isolation of rats immediately after weaning is associated to a reduction in the cerebrocortical and plasma concentrations of progesterone and its metabolites 3alpha,5alpha-TH PROG and 3alpha,5alpha-THDOC. Although we found that the basal plasma concentration of adrenocorticotropic hormone in isolated rats was slightly decreased compared with that in group-housed animals no other significant changes were found in the steroidogenic machinery (peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, steroidogenic regulatory protein (StAR)). However, the functional response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis HPA axis to an acute stressful stimulus (foot shock), or to an acute injection of ethanol or isoniazid is markedly increased in isolated rats. Behavioral studies have also indicated that the ability of ethanol to inhibit isoniazid-induced convulsions is greater in isolated rats than in group-housed animals and this effect of isolation is prevented by treatment with the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride. Social isolation modified the effects of ethanol on the amounts of StAR mRNA and protein in the brain suggesting an alteration in the mechanism of cholesterol transport in mitochondria. Moreover, the amounts of the alpha4 and delta subunits of the GABA(A) receptor in the hippocampus were increased in isolated rats, and these effects were accompanied by an increase in GABA(A) receptor-mediated tonic inhibitory currents in granule cells of the dentate gyrus. Ethanol also increased the amplitude of GABA(A) receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSC) recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons with a greater potency in hippocampal slices prepared from socially isolated rats than in those from group-housed, an effect inhibited by finasteride.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

24-hour pattern of circulating prolactin and growth hormone levels and submaxillary lymph node immune responses in growing male rats subjected to social isolation.

To assess the effect of social isolation of growing rats on 24-h rhythmicity of circulating prolactin and growth hormone (GH) levels and submaxillary lymph node immune responses, male Wistar rats were either individually caged or kept in groups (4-5 animals per cage) for 30 d starting on d 35 of life. Plasma prolactin and GH levels, and submaxillary lymph node lymphocyte subset populations, interferon (IFN)-gamma release and mitogenic responses to concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were determined at six time intervals during the 24 h span. Social isolation brought about changes in mean values and 24-h pattern of plasma prolactin and GH levels and lymph node immune responses. After isolation, prolactin and GH mean values decreased, and lymph node T, B, non T-non B, CD8+, and CD4+-CD8+ cells augmented, whereas lymph node CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IFN-gamma release and mitogenic responses decreased. Social isolation resulted in disruption of 24 h rhythmicity of every immune parameter tested. CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IFN-gamma release and Concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) responses correlated significantly with plasma prolactin or GH levels while T/B ratio correlated with plasma prolactin levels only. B, non T-non B, and CD4+-CD8+ cells correlated negatively with plasma prolactin. Modifications in mean value and 24-h rhythmicity of plasma prolactin and GH levels are presumably involved in the effect of social isolation on immune responsiveness.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Central corticotropin-releasing factor and benzodiazepine receptor systems are involved in the social isolation stress-induced decrease in ethanol sleep in mice.

Social isolation stress has been demonstrated to decrease the hypnotic activity of ethanol in rodents. In this study, the role of central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and GABA(A)/benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor systems in the social isolation stress-induced decrease in the hypnotic activity of ethanol in mice was investigated by examining the effect of alpha-helical CRF(9-41) (alpha hCRF) and flumazenil, antagonists of CRF and BZD receptors, respectively, on ethanol-induced sleep in group-housed and socially isolated mice. We also tested whether social isolation stress affects the ability of ethanol to enhance the GABA-induced 36Cl- influx into a synaptoneurosomal preparation of mouse forebrain. Social isolation stress significantly decreased both the ethanol (4 g/kg i.p.)-induced and pentobarbital (50 mg/kg i.p.)-induced sleeping times, while this stress had no effect on chloral hydrate (325 mg/kg i.p.)-induced sleep. The i.c.v. injection of alpha hCRF (6.5 nmol) and flumazenil (33 nmol) antagonized the social isolation stress-induced decrease in the ethanol sleep without affecting ethanol sleep in group-housed animals. Social isolation stress significantly attenuated the ability of GABA to stimulate 36Cl- influx but this stress had no effect on the ability of ethanol to enhance GABA-induced 36Cl- influx. These results suggest that the functional changes in central CRF and GABA(A)/BZD receptor systems are involved in the social isolation stress-induced decrease in the hypnotic activity of ethanol in mice.

Animals↗

PubMed1975

The reward value of peers. A variable influencing the efficacy of filmed modeling in modifying social isolation in preschoolers.

Sixteen socially isolate preschoolers were classified as peer- or non-peer-oriented on the basis of their responses to a test devised to measure the reward value of peers. Half of the subjects in each classification were assigned to a modeling treatment and viewed a film depicting appropriate social behavior in the nursery school; half served as controls and saw an animal film. Peer-oriented modeling film subjects increased significantly more in their peer social interactions at posttest and follow-up assessments than did the non-peer-oriented modeling group. In addition, both peer-oriented and non-peer-oriented modeling groups were significantly higher on peer interaction than the control groups. Alternative and supplemental procedures for increasing isolate preschoolers' social interaction are discussed.

Behavior Therapy↗

PubMed2005

Child physical abuse and self-perceived social isolation among adolescents.

This research examines the connection between physical abuse and social isolation. Using data from the National Youth Survey, a measure of self-perceived social isolation was constructed indicating the extent to which respondents feel detached from their friends and from school. Those who had experienced violence were predicted to be more isolated than those who had not. Results strongly supported the hypothesis, controlling for theoretically relevant variables. Explanation is provided in terms of damage to attachment skills, social competence, and self-esteem concomitant to being a victim of abuse. Males were more socially isolated than females, and Hispanics more than Whites. Children with involved parents were less socially isolated; those whose parents experienced normlessness were more isolated. Children who recently experienced a stressful event or were from riskier neighborhoods were more isolated. The number of children in the family was positively related to isolation. Social isolation decreases between seventh and eighth grades.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Effects of gender and social isolation on electroencephalogram and neuroendocrine parameters in rats.

Social separation/isolation from either maternal or peer influence can induce a biobehavioral response in rodents and nonhuman primates seeming to mimic certain aspects of human psychopathology. To further explore this paradigm, the effects of 6 weeks of social isolation on electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) functioning were studied in male and female adult rats. Gender differences were observed in EEG and HPA axis functioning in these rats. Female rats, overall, were found to have higher levels of EEG slow-wave activity over the entire recording period, suggesting more intense levels of slow-wave sleep in those animals. Female rats were also observed to have overall higher plasma corticosterone concentrations and a lower anterior pituitary corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor density compared with male rats. The male rats, however, showed greater changes in response to social isolation than female rats. EEG power was increased as a result of social isolation in the male animals during the first 30-100 min of the recording. Reductions in the number of CRF receptors were also observed in the brains of the socially isolated rats in several cortical areas; however, again this effect was more prominent in the male animals. These studies suggest that gender is an important variable in determining the biobehavioral response to social isolation.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The influence of chronic treatment with psychotropic drugs on behavioral changes by social isolation.

Neurobiological changes induced by social isolation of mice are affected by several drugs in different manner. Lithium is able to prevent changes in head-twitches seen after short term isolation as well as enhanced aggressivity and enhanced spontaneous locomotion demonstrable after long term isolation. Similar to lithium are the effects of carbamazepine, whereas the other tested substances: Ca-valproate, diazepam, desipramine, clomipramine as well as piracetam, methylglucaminorotate and meclofenoxate show different effects. The model of social isolation is discussed in view of its ability to differentiate the qualities of chronic drug administration during functional dynamic changes of the CNS in animals.

Aggression↗

PubMed1980

The role of social isolation in suicide.

This paper reviews the literature which relates to the role of social isolation in suicide. Major areas include theories on suicide and social isolation, measures of social isolation, and empirical studies which concern the relationship of social isolation to suicide. Social isolation seems to be related to suicidal behaviors in a direct and fundamental way. Implications for helping contacts and the community are addressed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Flumazenil reverses the decrease in the hypnotic activity of pentobarbital by social isolation stress: are endogenous benzodiazepine receptor ligands involved?

Long-term social isolation stress has been shown to cause a decrease in pentobarbital (PB)-induced sleeping time in mice. In the present study, to clarify whether the GABAA/benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor system is involved in the decrease in the hypnotic activity of PB by social isolation stress, we examined the effects of BZD receptor ligands on the PB-induced sleep in group-housed and socially isolated mice. Moreover, we also tested whether social isolation stress affects the ability of GABA to stimulate 36Cl- uptake or the modulatory effect of diazepam and PB and GABA-induced stimulation of 36Cl- uptake into synaptoneurosomes prepared from mouse brain. Social isolation stress significantly decreased the PB-induced sleeping time in mice. The BZD receptor diazepam (0.1-0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently prolonged PB sleep in group-housed and isolated mice, but the effect was weaker in isolated mice. In contrast, FG7142 (5-10 mg/kg, i.p.), a BZD receptor inverse agonist, shortened the sleep in group-housed but not in isolated mice. Flumazenil (16.5-33 nmol, i.c.v.), a selective BZD receptor antagonist, caused PB sleep in isolated mice to return to the level of group-housed mice, at the dose that antagonized the effects of diazepam and FG7142 on PB sleep in group-housed mice. However, this antagonist alone produced no effect on PB sleep in group-housed mice. Social isolation stress decreased the ability of GABA (0.6-200 microM) to stimulate 36Cl- uptake into synaptoneurosomes but this stress had no effect on PB- and diazepam-induced enhancement of GABA-stimulated 36Cl- uptake. These results suggest that endogenous substance(s) with an inverse BZD receptor agonist-like property and the changes in the ability of GABA to stimulate chloride ion channels are involved in the decrease in the hypnotic activity of pentobarbital following social isolation stress.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Social isolation and health, with an emphasis on underlying mechanisms.

Social isolation is a potent but little understood risk factor for morbidity and mortality, and its negative consequences are most profound among the elderly, the poor, and minorities, some of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population. A steadily increasing number of people are living alone and are therefore more likely to experience social isolation. We discuss four mechanisms--attractiveness, health behavior, stress, and repair and maintenance--by which perceived social isolation might affect health. Our studies show that neither attractiveness nor health behaviors differ as a function of social isolation, but stress and repair and maintenance do seem to be factors. While socially isolated young adults did not report more frequent everyday stressors, they rated everyday events as more intensely stressful. They were also more likely to report passively coping with stressors, and to show greater vascular resistance, a mechanism of blood pressure control previously associated with passive coping and a risk factor for hypertension. Finally, they exhibited less efficacious repair and maintenance of physiological functioning, including slower wound healing and poorer sleep efficiency. These mechanisms have implications for designing appropriate interventions. We advocate a national health care plan that promotes preventive medicine, recognizes the significance of stress-related disorders, and supports the maintenance of social connections across the life span.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Explaining social isolation through concept analysis.

Psychiatric nurses need to develop protocols and interventions for clients who are at risk for social isolation or who are socially isolated. Development of protocols and interventions should not be performed unless nurses have a clear understanding of what the term social isolation means. Existing definitions of social isolation have been vague and contradictory. This article presents a concept analysis of social isolation.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Social isolation and 59 common health conditions: insights from observational and genetics analyses.

BACKGROUND: The impacts of social isolation on diverse health conditions and how it contributes to health risks remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations of social isolation with 59 health conditions among older adults. METHODS: Participants from the UK Biobank without baseline diagnosis of the included diseases were selected. Social isolation was assessed with three questions. The 59 health conditions included all-cause mortality, 5 cause-specific mortalities, and 53 diseases. We used an instrumental variable from multivariable common factor GWAS in Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore causal links of social isolation with diseases. Omics analyses were conducted to assess the roles of Olink plasma proteins and metabolomics, and PERM was calculated to evaluate the influence of other factors. RESULTS: A total of 489,741 individuals [266,706 (54.5%) women; mean age 56.5 years (SD 8.1)] were included. During a median follow-up of 12.5 years, social isolation was uncorrelated with the majority of 59 health conditions. Significantly, it was associated with increased risks of all-cause [adjusted HR (aHR) 1.28, 95% CI 1.25-1.32], 5 cause-specific mortalities (aHR range, 1.18-1.38), and 11 specific diseases (aHR range, 1.08-1.17). Living alone was the strongest item of isolation in predicting mortality (aHR range, 1.18-1.45) and selected diseases. MR analyses offered little evidence to support a causal link between social isolation and these diseases. The proteins involved in these associations are predominantly related to "response to stimulus". Proteomic signatures (PERM, 36%-49%), health behaviours (32%-59%), and socioeconomic factors (22%-42%) were the main explanatory factors linking social isolation to 8 health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Social isolation is associated with elevated risks of 17 out of the 59 examined adverse health outcomes, predominantly mortality-related conditions; however, MR analyses indicate an absence of evidence supporting causality for these associations.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

Social isolation and outcomes post stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between social isolation and stroke outcomes in a multiethnic cohort. METHODS: As part of the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study, the authors prospectively followed a cohort of patients with stroke for 5 years. Baseline data including social isolation were collected. At follow-up, the authors documented outcome events as defined by the first occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke recurrence, or death. Cox hazard models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR, 95% CI) for prestroke predictors of post stroke outcomes. RESULTS: The authors followed 655 ischemic stroke cases for a mean of 5 years. The cohort was 55% women; 17% white, 27% African American, 54% Hispanic; mean age 69 +/- 12 years. There were 265 first outcome events. In univariate analysis, coronary artery disease (OR 1.3, 1.0 to 1.7), age > 70 years (OR 1.9, 1.5 to 2.5), atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR 1.8, 1.3 to 2.5), race-ethnicity (white vs Hispanic) (OR 1.7, 1.1 to 2.9), physical inactivity (OR 1.3, 1.1 to 2.6), help at home (OR 1.8, 1.4 to 2.4), and social isolation (OR 1.4, 1.2 to 1.6) were associated with increased risk of an outcome event. No association was seen for hypertension, diabetes, education, sex, insurance, occupation, marital status, or primary care physician. In the multivariable model controlling for age, AF (OR 1.9, 1.5 to 2.5), help at home (OR 1.5, 1.1 to 2.0), and social isolation (OR 1.4, 1.1 to 1.8) predicted outcome events. CONCLUSION: Prestroke social isolation is a predictor of outcome events post stroke. Lack of social support may contribute to poorer outcomes due to poor compliance, depression, and stress.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2001

Social isolation and sexual abuse among women who smoke crack.

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of social isolation and its relationship to sexual trauma in a sample of Black women who smoke crack cocaine. Using a convenience sample of 115 Black women with a history of smoking crack cocaine, participants were interviewed for 2 to 4 hours and asked a variety of questions about their health, relationships, sexuality, and drug use. Bivariate and multivariate logistical regressions were used to predict whether the women reported being socially isolated. While social isolation was not necessarily a common experience among the sample, it was found that women who had been sexually abused were three times more likely to report being socially isolated than women who had not been sexually abused. In addition, social isolation was more common among women who had been abused by a family member, who had been abused when they were young, and who had been abused for a long period of time. However, multivariate analyses revealed that the age at which the sexual trauma occurred was the most salient predictor of social isolation in adulthood. Implications for drug treatment are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Social isolation partially restores reproduction of male staggerer mutant mice.

Social isolation is generally known to promote sexual performances in male mice. We employ here other indices to investigate the positive effects of social isolation on sexual behavior. Mutant staggerer male mice generally do not mate. However some of their reproductive traits can be restored by environmental modifications. We demonstrate that a postpubertal period of social isolation can significantly enhance mutant male sexual behavior. After a period of partial social isolation of one or 2 mo a significantly larger number of mutant males were observed to attempt mounting receptive non mutant C57BL/6 females during a 30 min test encounter. When reproductive success is considered, a larger number of males who were isolated for a period of 2 mo and then allowed to remain with non mutant females were found to sire pups than control (non-isolated) males. The results show that staggerer males isolated for 2 mo can partially overcome the reproductive deficit usually associated with the mutation.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effects of creative and social activity on the health and well-being of socially isolated older people: outcomes from a multi-method observational study.

Depression and social isolation affect one in seven people over 65 and there is increasing recognition that social isolation adversely affects long-term health. Research indicates that interventions, which promote active social contact, which encourage creativity, and which use mentoring, are more likely to positively affect health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a complex intervention for addressing social isolation in older people, embodying these principles: The Upstream Healthy Living Centre. Mentors delivered a series of individually-tailored activities, with support tailing off over time. Two hundred and twenty-nine participants were offered the Geriatric Depression Scale, SF12 Health Quality of Life, and Medical Outcomes Social Support scale at baseline, then 6 months and 12 months post intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 participants, five carers and four referring health professionals to provide a deeper understanding of outcomes. Data were available for 172 (75%) participants at baseline, 72 (53% of those eligible) at 6 months and 51 (55%) at 12 months. Baseline scores indicated social isolation and high morbidity for mental and physical health. The intervention was successful in engaging this population (80% of referrals were engaged in some form of activity). At 6 months, there were significant improvements in SF12 mental component, and depression scores, but not in perceived physical health or social support. At 12 months, there were significant improvements in depression and social support and a marginally significant improvement in SF12 physical component (p = 0.06), but the SF12 mental component change was not maintained. The qualitative data showed that the intervention was well-received by participants. The data indicated a wide range of responses (both physical and emotional), including increased alertness, social activity, self-worth, optimism about life, and positive changes in health behaviour. Stronger, 'transformational' changes were reported by some participants. Individual tailoring seemed to be a key mediator of outcomes, as was overcoming barriers relating to transport and venues. Key processes underlying outcomes were the development of a positive group identity, and building of confidence/self-efficacy. The Upstream model provides a practical way of engaging socially isolated elderly people and generating social networks. The data suggest a range of psychosocial and physical health benefits. Although there are limitations in attributing causality in uncontrolled studies, the data seem to indicate a reversal of the expected downward trends in some aspects of participants' health, and suggest that this approach is worth further investigation.

Aged↗