Loneliness

Introduction

Loneliness is a state of perceived social isolation that produces profound biochemical changes in the body. Far from being merely a psychological discomfort, loneliness activates stress pathways that increase morbidity and mortality risk on par with smoking or chronic disease.

Mortality and health risk

Being isolated is associated with higher risk of mortality. Studies tracking 300,000 people for a decade found that those on the low end of social interaction were 50% more likely to die by any cause over the course of the 10 years. The Surgeon General has issued a loneliness epidemic report stating that being isolated is as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. [Ben Rein, MDMA, Sex, and Social Anxiety: The Neuroscience of Loneliness and Connection]

Biochemical effects

HPA axis overactivation

Loneliness is a very strong predictor of future development of depression. [Haidut, Pregnenolone as a Treatment for Loneliness, 2016] The neuroendocrine system becomes an important system through which perceived social isolation may operate, at least in part, to affect morbidity and mortality. [Ibid.]

Allopregnanolone levels initially rise and then plummet as a result of chronic stress. This pattern matches that observed with the steroid DHEA/DHEA-S. Given that both DHEA and allopregnanolone are potent inhibitors of the HPA response, the loss of these steroids due to chronic stress leads to HPA overactivation. HPA overactivation has been causally linked to pretty much every major mental health condition such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and suicidal ideation. [Ibid.]

Neurosteroid depletion

In animals stressed by social isolation, similar features emerge, under the influence of decreased neurosteroids, and increased serotonin and activity of the glucocorticoid system. [Ray Peat, Intelligence]

"In darkness and isolation, for example, the stress hormones increase, and the brain-protective steroids decrease. The memory improvement that results from taking pregnenolone or thyroid (which is needed for synthesizing pregnenolone from cholesterol) is the result of turning off the dulling and brain-dissolving stress hormones, allowing normal responsiveness to be restored." [Ray Peat, Intelligence]

Serotonin elevation

Isolation might be another factor contributing to depression and alcoholism, since it decreases the formation of the protective neurosteroid. [Ray Peat, Postpartum, Premenstrual, and Seasonal Serotonin Soaks]

Aggression, helplessness, and reduced ability to learn are typically produced in animals by social isolation, and it's clear that certain kinds of family environment produce the same conditions in children. Schools seldom help, and often hinder, recovery from such early experiences. [Ray Peat, Intelligence]

Lifespan effects

"Sidis, who grew up under intense pressure and social isolation and in extreme poverty, died at the age of 46. Mill, who was educated mainly by his father, in secure financial circumstances, experienced social isolation and moderate pressure, and lived about 20 years longer than Sidis did. Russell, who grew up in the highest circles of the ruling class, experienced no pressure, and only the mild kind of social isolation that wasn't exceptional for his class. He lived to be 97." [Ray Peat, Intelligence]

Social status and community

Social status is one of the strongest predictors of human disease risk and mortality. [Haidut, Low Social Status Damages the Immune System, 2016] It is the relative difference of social status that matters. Even though a person in a Western country may have more material goods than a person in a third world country, if the Western person is separated with a bigger distance from the top class then that person would be in poorer health. The low social status resulted in immune system overactivation, with subsequent rise in inflammation. [Ibid.]

The bulk of the immune response was mediated through the endotoxin (TLR4) receptor, which both suggests a role of endotoxin in chronic stress and chronic diseases. [Ibid.]

Selfishness as consequence

Selfishness may simply be a self-preservation mechanism as a result of extended periods of loneliness. The resulting selfishness triggers further loneliness likely because the selfish people are both being avoided more by others and also because they actively isolate themselves from others. When humans are at their best they are very helpful and cooperative. Cooperation and altruism are the natural state of human affairs when health is good and we are surrounded by good people. [Haidut, Loneliness Is the Real Cause of Selfishness, 2017]

Potential mitigations

Given the animal and human trials showing elevation of allopregnanolone levels leading to suppression of HPA overactivation, supplementation with pregnenolone has been proposed as a reliable method to raise allopregnanolone levels. Supplementation with allopregnanolone or other precursors such as progesterone are also likely to lead to the same outcome. [Haidut, Pregnenolone as a Treatment for Loneliness, 2016]

Other substances that may help offset the biochemical effects include:

• Niacinamide (enhances 11β-HSD activity, deactivating cortisol) [Ibid.]

• Vitamin D (acts as glucocorticoid antagonist) [Haidut, Vitamin D Prevents Cortisol-Induced Depression and Inflammation, 2020]

• Thyroid hormone (supports pregnenolone synthesis) [Ray Peat, Intelligence]

However, these should not be considered substitutes for genuine social connection. [Haidut, Pregnenolone as a Treatment for Loneliness, 2016]

See also

• Stress

• Cortisol

• Pregnenolone

• Serotonin

• Depression