How loneliness affects aging and health in people with schizophrenia
The impact of social isolation on aging health in schizophrenia
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11371731
Researchers are seeing if lack of social contact speeds up physical health problems in older adults with schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11371731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be followed over time and asked about your social contacts, daily activities, mental health, and physical health. The project will combine people with schizophrenia and comparison participants from sites in Europe (EU-GEI) and the US (Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center) to create a shared database of about 650 people. Study teams will use surveys, medical records, and possible biological measures to track signs of earlier aging and new medical conditions. The aim is to understand whether persistent social isolation helps explain why people with schizophrenia develop health problems earlier than others.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults (around age 65 and up) who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders and can take part in follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People without schizophrenia, much younger adults, or those unable to participate in follow-up are unlikely to gain direct benefit from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to social connection as a practical target to help delay health problems and improve lifespan in people with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller pilot studies have linked social isolation to poorer health in schizophrenia, but large, long-term international studies like this are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REICHENBERG, ABRAHAM — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: REICHENBERG, ABRAHAM
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.