Psychological impact of social isolation: does an evolutionary viewpoint make a better sense?

Abstract

Socially disconnected humans are known to function poorly. Social isolation often results in debilitating mental and physical ailments, and increased risk of death. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a breakdown of social activities, across the world there is an increased report of people suffering from psychological ailments. India is no exception. Typically, these ailments are considered illnesses and therefore, treated with medicines and/or counselling therapies. However, much of these ailments are incidental by-products of a mismatch between the long-term evolutionary ecology and what is currently prevailing. Here, I argue that the psychological ailments are better understood from an Evolutionary viewpoint. I point out the lack of data and a need for a fresh approach by practicing psychologists and psychiatrists.