Neurobehavioral Mechanisms of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Serious Mental Illness

Description

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.

Conditions

Psychosis, Schizophrenia

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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.

Neurobehavioral Mechanisms of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Serious Mental Illness

Neurobehavioral Mechanisms of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Serious Mental Illness

Condition
Psychosis
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Charlestown

Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States, 02129

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. 18-55 years old
  • 2. Experienced a psychotic disorder or mood disorder
  • 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).

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Massachusetts General Hospital,

Daphne J Holt, MD, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Record Dates

2026-06