Social isolation and anxiety disorders during Covid-19
A systematic review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22084091 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Fawaz S Alotaibi (Alfaisal University), Fetoon Massad Saud Al-Otaibi, Motaz Thaieb Alotaibi (Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, corresponding author), Nadia Altamimi (King Fahd Medical City), Sadeq Abu-Dawas (0000-0002-3973-770X, Alfaisal University), Ahmed Yaqinuddin (0000-0001-7536-910X, Alfaisal University), Khaled Alkattan (Alfaisal University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1688239-1688239 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-05 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1688239 |
| PMID | 41426687 |
| OpenAlex | W4417018325 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 28 |
Background: This systematic review examines the relationship between prolonged social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and anxiety levels in adults, with specific focus on social anxiety. It highlights that enforced distancing measures like lockdowns and reduced social contact significantly contributed to a global rise in psychological distress and anxiety disorders. Objective: To synthesize recent evidence on how social isolation influenced anxiety levels in the general adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This study followed a qualitative systematic review design. Relevant literature was identified through searches in databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and others, using combinations of MeSH terms and keywords. Data extraction and quality assessment followed the PRISMA guidelines and used the Downs and Black Checklist to evaluate methodological quality. Results: Seven studies were included, with a total of 3,014 participants. Findings revealed a consistent positive association between social isolation and anxiety. Perceived isolation was a stronger predictor of anxiety than objective isolation. Older adults showed higher vulnerability when isolated or lacking social support. Students and young adults also experienced elevated anxiety, especially when living alone or facing COVID-related stressors. Conclusion: Social isolation during the pandemic significantly contributed to increased anxiety symptoms across global adult populations. Public health efforts should target loneliness and promote sustainable social connectedness to mitigate long-term psychological consequences
Anxiety · Loneliness · Public health · Social anxiety · Social connectedness · Social isolation · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
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| Highly cited | No |
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