In modern society more and more people are choosing to live alone compared to past generations, due to decreasing marriage rates more people are also choosing not to have children; along with the increased numbers of those living alone research has shown links between loneliness and poor mental health.
Data was collected and analyzed from 20,500 people between the ages of 16-64 who participated in the 1993, 2000, and 2007 National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey in the UK; the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised questionnaire was used along with information on physical, socioeconomic and demographic factors to identify common mental disorders among the subjects.
A growing trend was established between living alone and increased likelihood of having a common mental disorder: 8.8% lived alone in 1993 of those 14.1% had a common mental disorder; 9.8% lived alone in 2000 with 16.3% having a mental disorder; and 10.7% lived alone in 2003 with 16.4% having a common mental disorder.
Gender and age were found not to have an impact on the rate of common mental disorder in those who lived alone; and living alone was found to increase the risk of having a common mental disorder. Findings highlight the importance of targeting loneliness in all age groups to help prevent common mental disorders.
