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Lonely kids may be at a higher risk of developing pyschosis later in life.

In a recent study, researchers uncovered a significant correlation between childhood loneliness and the likelihood of experiencing psychosis in adulthood, with a notable impact observed, especially among women.

Conducted as an observational case-control study, the research involved 285 individuals who had experienced their initial episode of psychosis, alongside 261 control subjects.

The study differentiated between subjective loneliness, defined as a feeling of distress associated with a lack of meaningful relationships, and objective social isolation.

Key revelations from the study indicate that childhood loneliness more than doubles the probability of encountering a psychotic episode later in life, with a substantially stronger effect detected in women.

This association persisted even after controlling for objective social isolation during childhood.

Moreover, among women who experienced psychosis, those who reported childhood loneliness were notably less likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, suggesting distinct impacts on various forms of psychosis.

Dr. Covadonga Díaz-Caneja of the Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health in Madrid, Spain, highlighted the importance of these findings according to Neuroscience News, stating, "Our results suggest that childhood loneliness may serve as an early risk factor for later psychotic disorders and support its role as a potential target for preventive mental health interventions from an early age."

"This study offers valuable insight into the association between childhood loneliness and first-episode psychosis. With the rise of digitalization and social isolation, loneliness has become a pervasive issue affecting young individuals."

Professor Andrea Fiorillo, president-elect of the European Psychiatric Association, emphasized the significance of addressing social connectedness and emotional well-being in youth, especially in the face of rising trends in digitalization and social isolation.

"The compelling findings of this study, which establish a direct connection between childhood loneliness and the onset of psychosis, highlight a concerning trend and underscore the importance of addressing social connectedness and emotional well-being from an early age," Fiorillo said.

The study's comprehensive insights provide valuable groundwork for further research and underscore the urgency of prioritizing interventions to enhance social connectedness and emotional well-being in childhood.

The findings also shed light on the need for early interventions aimed at fostering social connections to mitigate the risk of developing psychotic disorders.