The Neuroendocrinology of Social Isolation

What is it about?

Social isolation is associated with broad based morbidity and mortality. This review outlines one mechanism underlying this effect. Chronic social isolation increases the activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical axis, and these effects are more dependent on the disruption of a social bond between a significant pair than on objective isolation per se.

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Why is it important?

The focus previously has been on objective social roles and health behavior. However, the brain is the key organ for forming, monitoring, maintaining, repairing, and replacing salutary connections with others. Accordingly, population-based longitudinal research indicates that perceived social isolation (loneliness) is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality independent of objective social isolation and health behavior. We outline one mechanism underlying this association.