EFFECTS OF PROLONGED LONELINESS ON THE HYPOTHALAMIC–PITUITARY–ADRENAL AXIS AND ANXIETY SYMPTOMS

Abstract

Prolonged loneliness has been considered an important factor associated with psychological distress and physiological changes related to chronic stress. Unlike objective social isolation, loneliness represents a subjective experience characterized by the perception of an absence or insufficiency of satisfactory social connections. Studies indicate that this condition may influence the functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, a system responsible for regulating the stress response, leading to changes in cortisol release and increased vulnerability to the development of anxiety symptoms. This bibliographic study aims to analyze the relationship between prolonged loneliness, HPA axis activity, and anxiety symptoms, considering the neurobiological and psychological aspects involved. The reviewed literature indicates that continuous exposure to loneliness may contribute to the hyperactivation of stress systems, alterations in emotional regulation, and impairments in mental health. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved in this relationship may contribute to expanding possibilities for psychological prevention and intervention, considering loneliness as a biopsychosocial phenomenon involving emotional, social, and physiological aspects.