The Impact of Social Isolation on Mood Disorders
Social isolation can have a profound impact on mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Research has shown that individuals who experience social isolation are at a higher risk for developing anxiety and depression, and for those who already suffer from these conditions, social isolation can increase their symptoms.
Substance Abuse Among People With a Psychiatric Disorder
People with coexisting substance abuse and mental disorders have a greater tendency to get depressed, suicidal or violent. They are more vulnerable to hospitalisation.
Findings show that the initiation of substance use was mostly motivated by peer influence and the desire to “fit in”. It has been acknowledged that the role of peers has probably the strongest influence on adolescents in the initiation of substance use. The need for peer acceptance may be especially strong during a difficult time of adolescence.
Heavy Alcohol Use and Depression
Numerous studies show a link between heavy alcohol use and depression. Among hazardous drinking men and women there are lower levels of positive affect and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Depressive symptoms are associated with numerous drinking variables. Especially, drinking to get drunk, frequency of intoxication or consuming higher amounts of alcohol per occasion. Heavy drinkers are more likely to be depressed, compared to light drinkers.