Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to look at the last 10 years of research on loneliness and the related terms social isolation and what the current research on the subject says related to mental health. This is done in a setting of high focus in Norwegian media and from the Norwegian government. Methods: Pubmed, Pubpsych, Proquest, Epistemonikos and Cochrane library was searched for (“social isolation” OR loneliness) AND “mental health” and reviews from the last 10 years where included. If there were many hits, exclusions where added to limit the results. National library of Norway’s database was the source for the search to map the terms loneliness and social isolation in papers and journals. Results: 8 reviews qualified for the inclusion criteria’s, of which 4 shared one set of authors, 3 shared another, and the last one had a different set. They focused on different things, from methods, evolutionary background for loneliness, effect on mental health, and effect of treatment. The review of methods concluded that there is a need for common methods and definitions. The evolutionary articles stated that loneliness served a purpose in making the individual aware of a need for more social connections. The effects of loneliness and social isolation on mental health was mainly increased depression risk and worse recovery, with some effect on schizophrenia, but also a significant effect on dementia and cognitive function in old age. The studies on treatment or actions to help lonely and isolated concluded there were not enough evidence yet, but best evidence for helping individuals struggling with social isolation. Norwegian papers refers to social isolation and loneliness more and more, while journals refer to the terms less. Conclusion: There is an effect on the mental health from being lonely or isolated, but there is not any treatments or actions with sufficient evidence for it to be recommended to governments. The focus of media on these social issues might be positive if it leads to more research, but it is questionable if the Norwegian government should act without further information.