The reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and loneliness among people diagnosed with psychotic disorders: a cross-lagged panel analysis

Aim of the study To investigate prospective relationships between depressive symptoms and loneliness among people with psychotic disorders. Subject or material and methods A total of 147 patients were recruited at baseline, of which 100 (68%) were followed up six months later. A cross-lagged panel model was used to analyze the data. Results We found a reciprocal association between depressive symptoms and loneliness. The effect of initial depressive symptoms on loneliness after half a year did not differ in terms of strength from the effect of baseline loneliness on depressive symptoms at follow-up. Discussion Among people with psychotic disorders depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness reinforce each other and thus may create a vicious circle. This may impede the process of recovery. In order to break this maladaptive cycle, comprehensive interventions are needed, targeting at the same time both psychopathology and the social well-being of service users with psychosis. Conclusions Effective recovery-oriented interventions for people with psychosis should target both psychopathological symptoms (including depressive symptoms) and loneliness.