Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Discover the Surprising Link Between Loneliness and Brain Health: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know!

Discover the Surprising Link Between Loneliness and Brain Health: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know!

Understanding the Neurobiology of Loneliness: Implications for Practitioners

The experience of loneliness is more than just a fleeting emotion; it has profound implications for mental and physical health. Recent research, such as the systematic review titled "Neurobiology of Loneliness," sheds light on how loneliness affects brain structure and function. For practitioners working in mental health and therapy, understanding these findings can significantly enhance their ability to support clients.

The Brain's Response to Loneliness

The review highlights that loneliness is associated with changes in specific brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), insula, amygdala, hippocampus, and posterior superior temporal cortex. These areas are crucial for emotional regulation, social cognition, and memory.

The Impact on Mental Health

The neurobiological changes associated with loneliness have been linked to increased risks of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even Alzheimer's disease. Understanding these connections can help practitioners identify at-risk individuals earlier and tailor interventions more effectively.

Practical Applications for Practitioners

The insights from this research can be applied in various ways:

This comprehensive understanding of the neurobiology of loneliness not only aids practitioners in developing more effective treatment plans but also encourages further research into innovative therapeutic approaches. By staying informed about these developments through conferences, publications, and webinars, practitioners can continue to provide cutting-edge care.

Neurobiology of loneliness: a systematic review


Citation: Lam, J. A., Murray, E. R., Yu, K. E., Ramsey, M., Nguyen, T. T., Mishra, J., Martis, B., Thomas, M. L., Lee, E. E., et al. (2021). Neurobiology of loneliness: A systematic review. Neuropsychopharmacology.
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP