Exploring the link between social isolation and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Depression, Isolation, and Social Connectivity Online (DISCO)
This study looks at how feeling lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected depression rates, especially in communities that need extra support, and it wants to find out how changes in our social connections and online interactions might help improve mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10612642 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how social isolation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, affects rates of major depression, particularly in vulnerable communities. It aims to understand which aspects of social networks have been most disrupted and how online social behaviors may influence mental health outcomes. By analyzing data from a large-scale survey conducted across the United States, the study seeks to identify potential intervention targets to mitigate the impact of social disconnection on depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older, especially those from vulnerable or underserved communities experiencing social isolation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing social isolation or who do not have symptoms of depression may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing depression in socially isolated individuals, particularly in underserved communities.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that understanding social connectivity can significantly impact mental health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perlis, Roy H. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Perlis, Roy H.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.