Which condition favors the other?
Does the disease alienate others or does social isolation affect the progression of the disease - even non-contagious -? These researchers from the CNRS and other French research institutes underline the importance of the social environment by demonstrating in the model fly of bowel cancer that the progression of the disease is affected by social isolation and the composition of the social group. Conclusions published in the journal Nature Communications which, if they cannot as such be extrapolated to humans, make it possible to better understand the major role of the social environment in the development of diseases such as cancer.
The study is a reminder that for many animals, including humans, social behavior plays a crucial role in survival. But she goes further by suggesting its importance in the spread of non-communicable diseases. To demonstrate this hypothesis, scientists from CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Sud, Université de Montpellier, Commissariat à l'énergie (CEA) with colleagues from Spain and Australia demonstrate in the fly Drosophila melanogaster model of intestinal cancer this key role the social environment here on the rate of progression of the tumor.
Isolation and rapid progression of the disease:
in fact, the progression of the disease in sick flies proves to be more rapid in the event of isolation of the fly. Even more surprisingly, when a sick fly is surrounded by healthy flies, its tumor spreads faster than when it interacts with other sick people. The theory that could explain this result being that a diseased fly interacts less with flies that are not. Thus, a sick fly, at least at the very beginning of the disease, will prefer to surround itself with other sick flies. Similarly, a healthy fly will tend to avoid diseased flies and prefer the company of other healthy flies.
This behavior of preference to homologs with a similar physical condition is probably not transposable to humans. In the fly, it could reflect a survival constraint of the species in the face of contagion or the needs of reproduction, for example.
But it will be understood, if these results cannot yet be extrapolated to humans, they suggest the key role of the social environment in the development of diseases, just like the key influence of mental health on physical health.
How does social isolation affect health and wellbeing?
Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to health. Lack of social connections can increase the likelihood of early death by 26%. That risk is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is higher than that caused by obesity and physical inactivity.
How does mental health affect social isolation?
Having a mental health problem can increase your chance of feeling lonely. For example, some people may have misconceptions about what certain mental health problems mean, so you may find it difficult to speak to them about your problems (see our pages on tips for dealing with stigma).
Can social anxiety disorder lead a person to isolation?
In truth, it is likely that both things are true. People who experience significant social anxiety commonly withdraw from social situations to reduce their stress. However, over time this can make their anxiety even worse, which only makes them more isolated.
Is isolation a part of depression?
Avoiding social contact is a common pattern you might notice when falling into depression. Some people skip activities they normally enjoy and isolate themselves from the world. Others turn to alcohol or junk food to mask their pain and unhappiness.
Is social isolation part of depression?
Social Isolation and Mental Illness
Not only is social isolation a telltale sign of depression, but it can also fuel feelings of loneliness and become problematic. It's not uncommon for people with depression or people going through a major depressive episode to fall into this trap.
Does social isolation cause schizophrenia?
Research suggests that social isolation (i.e. limited social interaction with other children) and poor or disrupted interpersonal relations during childhood, teen and early adult years appears to increase an individuals risk for future development of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
Why is social isolation a risk factor?
Health effects of social isolation, loneliness
Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death.
Does stress cause social isolation?
Social isolation, or being physically separated from others, can lead to loneliness and increased stress, especially during a pandemic. Loneliness has been associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. It can also weaken our immune systems, which helps protect us from getting sick.
What is the main cause of social isolation?
Factors that prevent people from engaging with others, such as long-term illness, disabilities, transportation issues, unemployment, or exposure to domestic or community violence, may increase social isolation and loneliness.
What mental illness is associated with isolation?
For example, a person's isolation may be a sign of depression or an anxiety disorder. In addition to identifying underlying issues, a therapist can develop a treatment plan that helps people regain a sense of control over their social lives.
How are social isolation and health linked to one another?
Health Risks of Loneliness
Recent studies found that: Social isolation significantly increased a person's risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.
