Does declining social connection, and increased reported loneliness, explain the apparent increase in depressive and other mood disorders, particularly among younger people?

Abstract

There is much conjecture about which social factors underpin an apparent increase in the incidence of psychological distress, depression and other mood disorders, self-harm and suicidal behaviour and presentations for mental health care (in economically-developed countries). These concerns are particularly focused on younger birth cohorts, where the epidemiological evidence appears strongest for a genuine increase in incidence of mood disorders and self-harming behaviours (Twenge et al., 2019).