Loneliness has genetic markers, but the environment also plays a role in this state of mind, according to the results of a study. study published in the medical journal Neuropsychopharmacology. However, the loneliness is also linked to poor physical and mental health and is a risk factor for early mortality as well asobesity.
Researchers at the University of California in the United States conducted the first association study between the full range of genes and loneliness with 10,760 participants. Loneliness is an extremely personal feeling. In identical situations, some individuals experience great emotional turmoil, while others are perfectly able to manage their emotions.
“We want to know why, genetically speaking, one person is more likely than another to feel alone in an identical situation,” says Abraham Palmer, professor of psychiatry and vice president for basic research at UC San Diego School. of Medicine.
Loneliness is in part genetic and causes psychological disorders
Scientists analyzed genetic information and medical health records from a cohort of people aged 50 and over. In this study, participants answered three questions that measured the degree of loneliness.
Researchers have found that the risk of feeling lonely is in part due to genetics, in fact, 27% of people with loneliness have the same genetic predisposition. But, let the environment play a more important role. They also observed that the genetic risk for loneliness is associated with neurosis and depressive symptoms.
Professor Abraham Palmer’s team continues to research to find a specific genetic variation that would allow researchers to gain additional insight into the molecular mechanisms that influence loneliness.
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