Loneliness Scale Score Research Articles

Dynamics of Loneliness Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Study of Ecological Momentary Assessment With Network Analysis.

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has had potentially severe psychological implications for older adults, including those in retirement communities, due to restricted social interactions, but the day-to-day experience of loneliness has received limited study. We sought to investigate sequential association, if any, between loneliness, activity, and affect.MethodsWe used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with dynamic network analysis to investigate the affective and behavioral concomitants of loneliness in 22 residents of an independent living sector of a continuing care retirement community (mean age 80.2; range 68–93 years).ResultsParticipants completed mean 83.9% of EMA surveys (SD = 16.1%). EMA ratings of loneliness were moderately correlated with UCLA loneliness scale scores. Network models showed that loneliness was contemporaneously associated with negative affect (worried, anxious, restless, irritable). Negative (but not happy or positive) mood tended to be followed by loneliness and then by exercise or outdoor physical activity. Negative affect had significant and high inertia (stability).ConclusionsThe data suggest that EMA is feasible and acceptable to older adults. EMA-assessed loneliness was moderately associated with scale-assessed loneliness. Network models in these independent living older adults indicated strong links between negative affect and loneliness, but feelings of loneliness were followed by outdoor activity, suggesting adaptive behavior among relatively healthy adults.

Evaluation of Game Addiction, Social Media Addiction and Loneliness Levels in Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

Objectives: School attendance problem (SAP) is a serious issue, and its coexistence with psychiatric disorders is common. Several studies have evaluated the relationship between SAP and alcohol and substance addiction. Although there are many studies on SAP, studies examining the relationship between SAP and game and social media addiction are limited. Method: Thirty-one adolescents with SAP between the ages of 12-19 and 33 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Psychopathology was evaluated with a diagnostic interview according to DSM 5. Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form (IGDS9-SF), Social Media Disorder Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale were given to both of the groups. Results: The most common disorders in the study group are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional disorder and behavioral disorder. In the study group, the UCLA Loneliness Scale and IGDS9-SF scores were also significantly higher than those in the controls. Conclusion: Game addiction and loneliness problems should also be examined in the evaluation of children and adolescents with school attendance problems. Key Words: School Attendance Problem, School Refusal, Game Addiction, Social Media Addiction, Loneliness

Effect of group work on coping with loneliness

ABSTRACT This study aims to reduce the loneliness level of university students using group therapy. UCLA Loneliness Scale was applied to a sample of 42 university students. Ten students with the highest score were interviewed one-to-one and informed about the aims and stages of the group work. Six students who agreed to participate in therapy were subjected to a five-session study. At the end of the study period, UCLA Loneliness Scale was re-applied to the students. The outcomes of the group work revealed a downward trend in the loneliness scale scores of the participants. It was observed that the students participating in the group work had a reduced perception of loneliness.

Risk and protective factors of depression in the general population during the COVID-19 epidemic in Korea

BackgroundThe risk of depression has risen in the general population during the COVID-19 epidemic. This study was conducted to explore risk and protective factors associated with depression among the general population uninfected by COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,500 representative South Korean citizens aged 19–65 years through an anonymous online survey. Depression was defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of 10 or higher. Other questionnaires included one measuring psycho-behavioural and social changes, and stress, due to COVID-19, a six-item version of the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6), and a three-item version of the UCLA loneliness scale.ResultsOf the 1492 participants not infected by COVID-19, 312 (20.9%) exhibited depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that depression was positively associated with COVID-19-related stress and psycho-behavioural variables such as disturbances in eating and sleeping, younger age, smoking, underlying mental illness, and loneliness scale scores. In contrast, exercise three or more times per week and GQ-6 scale scores were inversely associated with depression.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining daily routines including eating, sleeping, and regular exercise and focusing on gratitude may be important for the prevention of depression. In addition, more attention should be paid to vulnerable populations, including young people, those with mental illnesses, and smokers, who might be more susceptible to depression.

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a brief screening tool for depression: a study of Iranian college students

ABSTRACT The aims of the present study were (a) to investigate the psychometric properties and to explore the factorial structure of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), (b) to explore the association of PHQ-9 scores with Loneliness Scale (LS) scores, (c) to determine the severity of symptoms of depression, and (d) to examine sex differences. The PHQ-9 and LS were administered to a convenience sample of 260 Iranian university students. Cronbach's α was .84 for the PHQ-9. Two factors were extracted labelled “Affective", and “Somatic/Vegetative.” PHQ-9 scores correlated positively (r = .57) with LS scores. Suicidal ideation was predicted by both factors of the PHQ-9 and by their LS scores. Sixty-nine percent of the students experienced mild to severe depression, and the men and women did not differ significantly in scores. This study can provide data points for meta-analyses and may help to determine social, cultural or economic conditions influencing student depression.

Prevalence and Predictors of Loneliness Among Youth During the Time of COVID-19: A Multinational Study.

Given the restrictions associated with COVID-19, feelings of loneliness among youth may increase. The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of loneliness among young people at the time of COVID-19 and to identify whether selected variables related to the pandemic predicted the level of loneliness. A cross-sectional study using WhatsApp and Facebook social media platforms was conducted to survey 1,057 young people aged 15 to 24 years from six Middle Eastern countries. Participants completed survey items including demographic and COVID-19-related questions; the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. The prevalence of experienced loneliness was 1 (0.1%), 625 (59.1%), 429 (40.6%), and 2 (0.2%), reflecting low, moderate, moderately high, and high experiences for loneliness, respectively. History of depression or anxiety, being dissatisfied with life, and having depression at the time of COVID-19 were significant predictors of loneliness among youth. The model was significant (F = 44.95, p < .05) and accounted for 29.8% of the variance in UCLA Loneliness Scale scores. We found that the high prevalence rate of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was correlated with depression and impaired life satisfaction among Middle Eastern youth. Thus, special attention and interventional action plans need to be developed taking into consideration the youths' special situation during COVID-19.

Depression, loneliness and factors influencing in Syrian refugee children.

About 3.5 million Syrian refugees are living within the borders of Turkey. This study examined depression, loneliness and factors influencing refugee children who live outside the camps and attend school in Turkey. This was a descriptive study in Sanliurfa, which has the second highest refugee population in Turkey. The sample consisted of 535 students attending 6-8 grades in five schools randomly selected of 18 schools located in the city centre where the Syrian children received their education. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Characteristics Question Form, the Depression Scale for Children and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Data were analysed by IBM spss v23. The percentage, average and standard deviation were determined. A linear regression analysis was used to examine the independent variables affecting loneliness and depression scores, and the Backward method was used to include independent variables in the model. Significance level was considered as P<.05. The average age of the children was 13.22±1.33years and 57.9% female. The average UCLA Loneliness Scale score was 42.95±7.77. About 42% of the children received ≥19 on the depression scale, and 65% of them received ≥40 on the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Independent variables affecting depression score and UCLA loneliness score were analysed by a linear regression analysis. The linear regression model established for depression and UCLA loneliness score was obtained as statistically significant (P<.001). Depression and loneliness scores were relatively high in children, particularly those exposed to the devastating impacts of war. These results will make significant contributions to the planning of services to be provided for this group of children.

Loneliness and Depression among Polish High-School Students.

Introduction: Having impaired relations and limited interpersonal contact is associated with a sense of loneliness, and can result in a number of mental disorders, including the development of depression. Approximately one in five adolescents in the world suffers from depression, and first episodes of such are occurring at increasingly young ages. Due to a lack of appropriate support from parents, teachers and the healthcare system, the young person feels alone when dealing with their problem. Aims: The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, aggression and sense of loneliness among high school students, and to analyze a correlation between loneliness and depression. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 300 high school students in Poland. The study material was collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-M) and De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS). Results: A feeling of loneliness correlated significantly with depressive disorders (p < 0.005), with the strongest effect between the total HADS-M score and the total loneliness scale score (r = 0.61). The overall presence of disorders as per HADS-M was found to be 23%, and borderline conditions were found in 19.3%. In 24% of the students, disorders were revealed on the anxiety subscale and in 46.3% on the aggression subscale. On DJGLS, a very severe sense of loneliness was observed in 6.67% of the subjects, and in 42.3% of them, a moderate feeling of loneliness was indicated. On the social loneliness subscale, a severe sense of loneliness was found in 22.7%, while on the emotional loneliness subscale, it was found in 16.7% of the subjects. Conclusions: In this study, a quarter of the student participants experienced anxiety and depression disorders. Students showing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and aggression also showed enhanced loneliness. Girls showed higher levels of anxiety, depression and aggression, as well as emotional loneliness.

Psychosocial impact of skin diseases: A population-based study.

BackgroundWhile it is well established that skin disease places significant psychosocial burden on a patient’s wellbeing, its effects have rarely been examined in Asian populations.ObjectiveEvaluate the psychosocial burden of skin disease among community-dwelling adults in Singapore.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1510 participants interviewed on their history of thirteen skin diseases. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions- 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) were used as measures for depressive symptoms, social isolation, loneliness and quality of life respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of skin diseases with each of the four measured outcomes.ResultsParticipants with skin diseases reported significantly higher PHQ-9 and UCLA Loneliness scale scores, and lower LSNS-6 and EQ-5D-5L scores when compared to their healthy counterparts. The presence of skin disease was positively associated with depressive symptoms (B = 0.40, SE = 0.11), and negatively associated with quality of life (B = -0.03, SE = 0.01). As disease severity was not evaluated in this study, we were unable to ascertain the associations between disease severity and measured outcomes.ConclusionParticipants with skin diseases were more likely to have depressive symptoms, social isolation, loneliness and lower quality of life. Unemployed, single and elderly patients were at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms. More emphasis should be placed on the psychosocial aspect of care to reduce the burden of skin disease. Some considerations include monitoring patients for mood-related changes and implementing early psychosocial interventions.

Importance of loneliness in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Loneliness is considered to be a crucial factor in mental health of elderly people. However, the effects of loneliness on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have not been fully examined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether loneliness in patients with dementia is related to BPSD. A total of 152 patients with dementia were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-12) and the revised University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale. Spearman correlation analysis and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to examine factors associated with the revised UCLA loneliness scale. Logistic regression analysis with a forced entry method was performed to identify risk factors for BPSD. The revised UCLA loneliness scale score was not significantly associated with age, years of education, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score, gender, living status, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and marital status. However, this score was a significant predictor of NPI delusion and hallucination subscale scores and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 score. The MMSE score was a significant predictor of NPI anxiety and apathy subscale scores. Loneliness is a risk factor for BPSD, especially for depressive symptoms and psychosis. Paying attention to loneliness in patients with dementia will help medical staff to intervene in psychiatric symptoms of these patients at an early stage.

The effect of loneliness and perceived social support on medication adherence self-efficacy in hypertensive patients: An example of Turkey

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of loneliness and perceived social support on medication adherence self-efficacy in hypertensive patients. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2015 at 5 Family Health Centers in central Erzincan in eastern Turkey. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a descriptive questionnaire, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form. The mean score obtained from the UCLA Loneliness Scale was 38.35±9.85, from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support 64.10±18.31, and from the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale 40.27±11.97. The mean UCLA Loneliness Scale score was found to have a low negative correlation with the mean Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale score and a highly significant negative correlation with the mean Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support score (P<.001). There was also a very low positive significant correlation between the mean scores of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (P<.001). This study revealed that individuals with hypertension perceived a moderate level of loneliness, and their perceived social support and medication adherence self-efficacy were higher than the moderate level. Perceived loneliness and perceived social support were significant indicators of perceived medication adherence self-efficacy. Therefore, effective consultancy services should be provided to hypertensive patients to increase their social support and to make positive changes in their perceived loneliness so that their perceived medication adherence self-efficacy can be improved.

Mindfulness-Based College: A Stage 1 Randomized Controlled Trial for University Student Well-Being.

To evaluate effects of a mindfulness-based program, adapted to the young adult life course stage (age, 18-29 years), named Mindfulness-Based College (MB-College). The primary outcome was a young adult health summary score, composed of key health risk factors: body mass index, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, stress, loneliness, and sleep duration. Secondary outcomes were hypothesized self-regulation mechanisms, including attention control, interoceptive awareness, and emotion regulation. This was a stage 1 randomized controlled trial of the 9-week MB-College program (n = 47) versus enhanced usual care control (n = 49) including students from three universities. Assessments were at baseline, during the beginning of the college term when stress is typically lower, and at MB-College completion (3-month follow-up), when term-related stress is typically higher. Intention-to-treat, linear regression analyses estimated the marginal effects of MB-College versus control on the outcomes. MB-College participants (mean age = 20 years, 68% female, 37% racial minorities) demonstrated improved health summary scores at follow-up compared with control participants whose health summary scores worsened (marginal effect for MB-College versus control = 0.23; p = .004). Effects on loneliness were pronounced (marginal effect = -3.11 for the Revised University of Los Angeles Loneliness Scale score; p = .03). Secondary analyses showed significant impacts of MB-College on hypothesized self-regulation mechanisms (e.g., Sustained Attention to Response Task correct no-go percent, p = .0008; Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, p < .0001; Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, p = .03). Findings of this early stage clinical trial suggest that MB-College may foster well-being in young adults.Trial Registration: NCT03124446.

Associations of Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biomarkers with Affective Symptoms and Cognition in Women Beginning Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Abstract Objectives The objective of this research was to examine if the serum levels of long chain omega 3 fatty acids (LCn-3 FA) or long chain omega-6 fatty acids (LCn-6 FA) were associated with affective symptoms and cognition in breast cancer patients beginning chemotherapy. Methods 60 women with breast cancer were assigned to a double-blinded randomized study of minocycline vs placebo. Serum was collected from 53 women at baseline and post-chemotherapy and was stored at −80C. Serum fatty acids (FAs) from 37 pairs of samples from both time points were extracted, methylated, then analyzed using gas chromatography. Changes in fatty acids were analyzed by using paired sample t-test. Cognitive and affective behaviors were measured by Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult Version (BRIEF-A) test, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and UCLA 3 item Loneliness Scale. Associations between baseline FAs and cognitive and affective test scores were measured by Pearson correlations; p &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results Preliminary results suggest there were significant increases in the following serum FAs from baseline to post chemotherapy: C14:0 (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and C18:1n9 (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and there were significant decreases in C18:0 (p = 0.01), C20:0 (p = 0.001), and C22:5n6 (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Baseline analysis, prior to chemotherapy, indicated a non-significant trend for EPA (20:5n3) (r = −0.27, p = 0.06) and the n-3/n-6 ratio (r = −0.27, p = 0.06) to be correlated with better (i.e., lower) scores on the BRIEF-A test. There were trends for correlations of total n-6 FA and better (i.e., lower) STAI score (r = −0.25, p = 0.07), and total n-6 FA and better (i.e., lower) Loneliness Scale scores (r = −0.24, p = 0.09). Conclusions There was a significant change in the serum FA profile of women with breast cancer from baseline to post-chemotherapy. There were non-significant trends for n-3 FAs to be associated with better executive function, and n-6 FAs to be correlated with less anxiety and loneliness prior to beginning chemotherapy. Future research will investigate associations among serum FAs, cognitive and affective tests post-chemotherapy. Funding Sources Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center – Kroger Fund OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center Pelotonia Award.

Predicting Loneliness from Where and What People Do

The many devastating mental health outcomes associated with chronic loneliness is the motivation behind research into examining personal and demographic characteristics of the lonely. The present study sought to examine the connection of where people live (degree of urbanization) and what people do (leisure activities) with self-report of loneliness in a large sample (N = 8356) of unrelated Dutch adults. Information regarding where people live and what they do in their leisure time was entered into a regression analysis for self-reported loneliness. The overall regression was significant and accounted for 2.8% of the loneliness scale scores. Significant independent predictors for loneliness were living in heavily urbanized areas and engaging in fewer social activities. People who went sightseeing or to amusement parks/zoos or who participated in clubs reported being less lonely. Spending time using a computer predicted higher self-report loneliness scores. Consistent with previous research, after controlling for other variables, gender was not a significant predictor of loneliness but both a younger age and a curvilinear or U-shaped curve of age predicted loneliness (the younger and the much older). The results suggest that meaningful interpersonal interactions may result in lower feelings of loneliness.

Lifetime history of traumatic brain injury is associated with increased loneliness in adults: A US nationally representative study

An estimated 55 million individuals worldwide live with chronic disability associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), which may include cognitive, behavioral, and social impairments. Reduced participation in social activities is common after TBI; however, few studies have evaluated loneliness among survivors of TBI. The current study aimed to evaluate the association between history of TBI and loneliness and to identify mediators of this association. Retrospective cohort study. Nationally representative sample of N = 724 adults over age 50 years (Health and Retirement Study). Loneliness was evaluated using the 11-item Revised University of California Los Angeles (R-UCLA) Loneliness Scale (range 11-33). Lifetime history of TBI evaluated retrospectively using the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. We included the following covariates: age, sex, race, and education; and mediators: depressive symptoms, number of comorbidities, chronic pain, difficulty with activities of daily living, and social network index. History of TBI was associated with a 1.28-point (95% CI, 0.46-2.11; P < .05; Cohen's D = 0.284) increase in R-UCLA Loneliness Scale scores after covariate adjustment. Individuals with more recent injuries (within 10 years) and multiple lifetime TBIs reported the highest loneliness scores. In the structural equation model, depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between TBI and loneliness. All models were adjusted for US population sampling weights. History of TBI was associated with greater loneliness compared with individuals without TBI in a representative sample of US adults. Managing depressive symptoms and medical consequences of TBI may be a target to ameliorate reporting of loneliness in this population.

Loneliness among mothers raising children under the age of 3\xa0years and predictors with special reference to the use of SNS: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundLoneliness in mothers raising children can adversely impact the health of their children and lead to child abuse, depression, and deterioration of mothers’ health. Few studies to date have specifically assessed the association between loneliness and social factors, including the use of social network sites (SNSs), and personal factors. This study aimed to identify predictors of loneliness in mothers raising children, with special reference to SNS use.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved an anonymous self-reported questionnaire survey of mothers participating in the health check-ups for their children in Nagahama City, Japan, from July 28 to September 29, 2014. The following items were assessed: revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, “Secure” subscale of the Internal Working Model Scale (IWMS-S), psychological distress scale (K6), abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), and types of communication devices and information sources. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the Loneliness Scale score as the dependent variable.ResultsAmong 763 mothers attending health check-ups for children in Nagahama City, 715 were available for the survey. Among a total of 638 respondents, data from 523 mothers were analyzed (valid response rate: 73.1%). The mean Loneliness Scale score ± standard deviation was 36.1 ± 9.7. The multiple regression analysis revealed that loneliness was significantly associated with being financially worse-off (β = − 3.35, p = 0.004) and struggling (β = − 2.47, p = 0.047); having a smaller family social network (β = − 0.32, p = 0.032), having fewer friends (β = − 0.49, p = 0.001), and having a smaller SNS network (β = − 0.21, p = 0.018); a lower secure subscale score on the IWMS-S (β = − 0.56, p < 0.001); and a K6 score of ≥5 (β = 4.24, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe degree of loneliness in mothers raising children was associated with a smaller social network, lower secure attachment style, and a higher possibility of psychological distress. These factors should be considered when developing effective interventions against loneliness in mothers raising children.

The Effects of Recreational and Sports Activities on Psychological Status in Young People Aged 11-13 Years

This study was conducted to investigate the depressive state and loneliness in a total of 219 male adolescents between the ages 11 and 13 who were registered at the summer school of the Vezirkopru Provincial Directorate of Youth Services and Sports based on whether or not they participated in recreational and sports activities during the summer holiday. One hundred and fifteen of the participants participated in recreational and sports activities organized during the summer, while 104 did not. Information about the depressive states of the participants was collected via the Beck Depression Scale, while information about their loneliness was collected with the UCLA Loneliness Scale. High total scores on both scales indicated that depression and loneliness levels were high. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated to determine the reliability of the answers given by the participants to the items of Beck Depression Scale and UCLA-LS. In the statistical assessment of the research results, it was found that the error terms were not normally distributed (P<0.05). Thus, the differences between the group that participated in recreational activities and the group that did not were shown via a Mann-Whitney U-test. In addition, the association between the total scores on both scales was calculated using Kendall's tau b correlation coefficient. At the end of the study, the Beck Depression scores of the adolescents who did not participate in any recreational or sports activities during the summer holiday (13 weeks) were found to be significantly higher than the scores of those who did. Thus, while the depression levels of individuals who did not participate in recreational or sports activities were high, the levels of individuals who regularly participated in these activities were low. Similarly, the loneliness scores of individuals also differed based on participation in these activities. The loneliness scores of adolescents who did not participate in the related activities were found to be significantly higher than those who did. In short, the reason for these low levels of depression and loneliness following participation in sports activities is understood to result directly from participation in these activities. Also, a strongly positive significant association was found between the Depression and Loneliness Scale scores of adolescents who did engage in sports. An increase was seen in the Beck Depression scores of the participants as their loneliness scores increased. In other words, as Beck Depression scores increase, so do the levels of loneliness. Thus, engaging in regular recreational and sports activities over extended periods of time can be said to be effective in eliminating the depressive and lonely feelings of adolescents. Educational institutions should include such programs within regular education.

Changes in social isolation and loneliness following total hip and knee arthroplasty: longitudinal analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort.

To determine the prevalence and change in social isolation and loneliness in people before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in England. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) dataset, a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults, was used to identify people who had undergone primary THA or TKA because of osteoarthritis. Social isolation was assessed using the ELSA Social Isolation Index. Loneliness was evaluated using the Revised University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. The prevalence of social isolation and loneliness were calculated and multilevel modelling was performed to assess the potential change of these measures before arthroplasty, within a two-year operative-recovery phase and a following two-year follow-up. The sample consisted of 393 people following THA and TKA. The prevalence of social isolation and loneliness changed from 16.9% to 18.8% pre-operative to 21.8% and 18.9% at the final post-operative follow-up respectively. This was not a statistically significant change for either measure (P=0.15; P=0.74). There was a significant difference in social isolation at the recovery phase compared to the pre-operative phase (P=0.01), where people following arthroplasty reported an increase in social isolation (16.9-21.4%). There was no significant difference between the assessment phases in respect to UCLA Loneliness Scale score (P≥0.74). Given the negative physical and psychological consequences which social isolation and loneliness can have on individuals following THA or TKA, clinicians should be mindful of this health challenge for this population. The reported prevalence of social isolation and loneliness suggests this is an important issue.

Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD are important for a secure transition to adolescence

Objective: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that begins in childhood. By using self-esteem and loneliness scales, our aim was to compare the adolescents who were diagnosed “early” and are currently receiving treatment with the ones with “late” diagnoses. By examining loneliness and self-esteem directly, we wish to emphasize a possibility of positive impact of early diagnosis and treatment. We hypothesized that the duration of treatment is an important factor in reducing several negative psychosocial impacts of ADHD. Methods: The study included 62 adolescent patients with a “late” ADHD diagnosis between the ages of 12 and 14 years, and 55 adolescent patients with “early” diagnosis between the ages of 6 and 8 years who have been followed up regularly with appropriate treatment for nearly 6 years. These groups were compared with regard to self-esteem and feelings of loneliness. Results: The UCLA Loneliness Scale scores were higher, but the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale scores were lower in the late-diagnosed group. These results did not change with regard to ADHD subtypes and gender. Conclusion: The late-diagnosed adolescents with ADHD feel they are alone more than the early-diagnosed adolescents, and they like themselves less compared to the early-diagnosed group.

Music therapy as group singing improves Geriatric Depression Scale score and loneliness in institutionalized geriatric adults with mild depression: A randomized controlled study

Aims: This study was conducted with an aim to evaluate the effect of group music therapy in the form of group singing, led by a music therapist, on depressive symptoms and loneliness in institutionalized geriatric individuals having mild depression. Settings and Design: The study was conducted as a randomized control trial at St. Mary's Home for the aged, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted as a randomized control trial. Subjects and Methods: The experiment group (n = 40) received daily music therapy in the form of group singing lead by a music therapist for 3 weeks. The control group (n = 40) did not receive any specific intervention. Baseline and weekly Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) and UCLA Loneliness Scale scores were recorded in both groups. Statistical Analysis Used : Measures of Central Tendency, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon W value. Results: Statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) was seen in both the scores at the end of 3 weeks in the experiment group as compared to the control group. On intragroup comparison, both scores showed statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the experiment group at the end of 3 weeks as compared to baseline but not in the control group. No adverse event was reported. Conclusions: Group singing significantly improves GDS-SF scores and loneliness in institutionalized geriatric adults having mild depression at the end of 3 weeks. Further research in this area is desirable which could contribute to the well-being of the aged population.