A systematic review on suicide because of social isolation/and loneliness: does COVID-19 make a difference?

Background Suicide is a significant cause of death worldwide. Various purposes can explain why people choose to attempt or commit suicide such as mental-health disorders, income-related-factors, quality of life or issues related to social context. This study aims to identify an updated association between 'isolation' and suicides. Methods In this regard, we had made a systematic review of the most recent papers, published from January 2016 to March 2022, thought the most acknowledged databases. This review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. To the best of our knowledge, this issue is very important due to the indirect relationship between COVID-19 and suicides. Results Our analysis demonstrates that suicide and -social isolation and loneliness- have a positive and direct relationship although these findings varied slightly by areas. Moreover, most of the attention is focused on the youth during the most recent period and this is a real problem because economies cannot afford losing (young) population. Conclusions In order to prevent suicides, public policies should prevent suicidal thoughts that it could induce to terminate the lives of individuals in their most productive years and harmful outcomes to their families and friends.

Automated summary

Background Suicide is a significant cause of death worldwide, and this study aims to identify the updated association between 'isolation' and suicides. Through a systematic review of recent papers, it was found that suicide and social isolation have a positive and direct relationship, with variations by areas. Attention is focused on the youth, which is a real problem as economies cannot afford to lose the younger population. Preventive public policies should be implemented to address suicidal thoughts and protect individuals in their most productive years.