2: Social isolation
A joint session was held on May 22, 2008 by Dave D'Antonio, Director of Bridgeway's Partial Care Program and Dr. John Fossella. The powerpoint slide presentations for part 1 and part 2 can be viewed or downloaded. In this session we reviewed the serious and oft overlooked consequences of social isolation on physical and mental health. One of the brain areas we discussed in light of this topic was the cingulate cortex. In the paper by Eisenberger et al., we discussed the finding that social isolation activates similar brain regions as does physical pain. We also reviewed evidence by Siegle et al., showing that activity in the cingulate cortex can be a predictor of outcome in CBT treatment.
Comments, suggestions and questions are most welcome !
Bridgeway Rehabilitative Services sponsors this discussion in a continuing education effort and ongoing program to remove stigma from mental illness. We are grateful for support from The Center for the Study and Promotion of Recovery from Severe Mental Illness and the Merck Company Foundation.