Childhood Loneliness Significantly Increases Risk of Later Psychosis, Especially in Women

A comprehensive study reveals that children who experience loneliness are more than twice as likely to suffer from psychosis as adults, with the effect being notably stronger among women.

• Childhood loneliness more than doubles the likelihood of experiencing psychosis later in life, with a stronger effect observed in women.
• The study differentiates between loneliness (subjective feeling) and social isolation (objective lack), underscoring loneliness as a potent early risk factor for psychosis.
• Among women who experienced psychosis, those who were lonely in childhood were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, suggesting varying impacts on different types of psychosis.
• Loneliness in childhood is associated with a greater severity of positive psychotic symptoms as well as affective symptoms and worse functioning.
• Addressing social connectedness and emotional well-being from an early age is highlighted as crucial for preventing mental health issues.

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