Loneliness among male adults living with schizophrenia: Investigating the association with functionality and symptom severity

Objectives: Loneliness is an emotional state and an experience consequent to social isolation. Differences in the person’s quality and quantity of both anticipated and actual social relationships contribute to loneliness. The higher prevalence of loneliness noted in persons with schizophrenia adversely affects multiple domains and outcomes. However, the impact on functionality and symptom severity consequent to loneliness remains limited. This study attempts to understand the relationship between loneliness, functionality, and symptom severity in schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Males above 18 years of age and with a minimum duration of 2 years of illness were included in the study. Persons with comorbid psychiatric conditions, substance use disorder (except nicotine), and without the capacity to consent were excluded. Positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) was used to measure the symptom severity, functionality was measured using World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, while loneliness was measured using University of California, Los Angeles loneliness scale 3.0. Sixty-four participants who sought outpatient treatment were selected, and quantitative data analysis was done. Results: The mean age of onset of the illness was 25.66 ± 7.16, the PANSS score was 44.92 ± 10.15, the dysfunction score was 50.92 ± 10.97, and the loneliness score was 47.14 ± 7.60. There was a significant positive correlation of loneliness with symptom severity, functional impairment, and prolonged unemployment. Multiple regression indicated that functional status and duration of unemployment are predictors of loneliness in schizophrenia. Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions focusing on functional recovery and vocational engagement influence the loneliness level in schizophrenia, further resulting in symptom reduction and overall recovery.