Neurobehavioral Mechanisms of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Serious Mental Illness
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
The proposed research will test the hypothesis that objective social isolation and loneliness are linked to neurobehavioral mechanisms involved in social perception and motivation in individuals with and without serious mental illness. Moreover, it will investigate the specific dynamic interactions among these experiences in daily life and how they, and their neurobehavioral predictors, are linked to day-to-day functioning. The findings of this project could provide novel targets for therapeutics aimed at improving functioning and overall quality of life in individuals with serious mental illnesses, as well as quantitative phenotypes for use in early detection efforts.
Description
Some of the most debilitating and harmful aspects of serious mental illnesses (SMI) are the 1) social isolation (low numbers of social contacts) and 2) the subjective experiences of social disconnection (loneliness) that frequently accompany these conditions. Social isolation and loneliness greatly impact day-to-day functioning and are associated with poor cardiometabolic health and early mortality in SMI, and currently there are no available treatments that can prevent or reverse these devastating consequences of having these illnesses. This may be in part because the neural and psychological…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18-55 years old 2. Experienced a psychotic disorder or mood disorder Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any neurological disorder or current substance use disorder (during the past 6 months) 2. Not proficient in English 3. A recent change in medication, or an acute symptom presentation 4. Standard exclusion criteria for participation in an MRI scan (e.g., presence of metal in the body, claustrophobia, a history of head trauma).
Interventions
- BehavioralEMA
Participants will complete surveys about their feelings and social habits through a smartphone app (EMA)
Location
- Massachusetts General HospitalCharlestown, Massachusetts