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Chronic loneliness and its impact on mental and physical health
Loneliness is a subjective feeling of social isolation — distinct from being alone. Chronic loneliness increases depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease and dementia risk. It's a modifiable health risk factor.
Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Authored and reviewed by Dr. Ruja Shrestha (MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), NMC 19766). Evidence-based, no fabricated outcomes.
Loneliness is a subjective feeling of social isolation — distinct from being alone. Chronic loneliness increases depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease and dementia risk. It's a modifiable health risk factor.
Reviewed by Dr. Ruja Shrestha, MBBS, MD — Consultant Psychiatrist & CBT Therapist (NMC 19766), Kathmandu Neurology Clinic. For evaluation, book an appointment.
Social isolation is objective (few social contacts); loneliness is subjective (feeling disconnected regardless of contact). You can feel lonely in a crowd or content alone. Both affect health, but loneliness has independent effects.
Loneliness increases depression and anxiety risk, cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, cognitive decline and dementia, and premature mortality — comparable to smoking and obesity. The mechanisms involve chronic stress activation, inflammation and reduced health behaviors.
CBT for loneliness addresses maladaptive thoughts about social connection. Behavioral activation increases social engagement. Social skills training, community engagement, volunteering, pet ownership, and technology-assisted connection (balanced with in-person interaction) all help.
Holt-Lunstad J et al. Social relationships and mortality risk. PLoS Med 2010Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.