Being alone generates a chemical in the brain that makes it more aggressive and fearful

As we get older, it seems to be increasingly difficult to establish and maintain social relationships. Technology, work, obligations, and daily life manage to isolate us from life itself. Although this may seem a harmless routine, a recent study found that the brain changes when we spend a lot of time alone, altering human behavior, and increasing the risks of premature death.

Leer en español: Así se modifica el cerebro cuando se está mucho tiempo en soledad

Research conducted by scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) found that chronic social isolation causes the accumulation of a chemical in the brain, which in addition to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, is related to the increase in aggression and fear.

In the experiments carried out with rodents and flies, behavioral changes could be observed in the isolated animals. In only two weeks, the mice that remained locked showed an increase in aggressiveness towards unknown rodents, hypersensitivity to threatening stimuli that paralyzed them even after the danger had passed.

You may also be interested: Foods that help you sleep: Stick to your body clock

In scientific terms, the researchers found that chronic isolation led to an increase in the expression of the Tac2 gene and in the production of NkB throughout the brain. This means that some neurons involved with the emotional and social behavior are modified, generating a chemical substance that makes the individual more aggressive and fearful.

Loneliness: more dangerous than obesity

According to two meta-analyzes conducted by the Brigham Young University of Utah, USA, loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of premature death by up to 50% in people of advanced age, in the same way or to a greater extent than obesity could produce it.

Although loneliness and social isolation are often used to refer to the same phenomenon, there is a drastic difference between the two concepts. Social isolation refers to the lack of physical contact or interaction with other individuals. Loneliness is the constant feeling of disconnection that a person can experience, regardless of whether or not he is surrounded by other subjects.

It seems paradoxical that in an increasingly interconnected world, the individual may be threatened by conditions of social isolation. Although this behavior is not usual for young people, it does put at risk the mental stability of older people such as the retired population of the planet who, after completing their work cycle, abruptly move away from what could be their main social link.

Therefore, some experts propose emphasizing social skills in children from the school stage, and training health experts to incorporate the social connection of the patient in the medical examination of the elderly.

Latin American Post | Krishna Jaramillo
Translated from “Así se modifica el cerebro cuando se está mucho tiempo en soledad”