Changes

==Health effects==

==Health effects==

Symptoms from externally imposed isolation often include anxiety, sensory [[illusion]]s, or even distortions of [[time]] and [[perception]]. However, this is the case when there is no stimulation of the sensory systems at all, and not only lack of contact with people. Thus, by having other things to keep one's mind busy, this is avoided. http://www.eastandard.net/archives/august/wed25082004/executives/upfront/upfront02.htm]

Symptoms from externally imposed isolation often include anxiety, sensory [[illusion]]s, or even distortions of [[time]] and [[perception]]. However, this is the case when there is no stimulation of the sensory systems at all, and not only lack of contact with people. Thus, by having other things to keep one's mind busy, this is avoided. [http://www.eastandard.net/archives/august/wed25082004/executives/upfront/upfront02.htm]

Still, long-term solitude is often seen as undesirable, causing loneliness or reclusion resulting from inability to establish interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, it might even lead to clinical [[depression]]. However, for some people, solitude is not entirely depressing. Still others (e.g. monks) regard long-term solitude as a means of spiritual enlightenment. Indeed, marooned people have been left in solitude for years without any report of psychological symptoms afterwards.

Still, long-term solitude is often seen as undesirable, causing loneliness or reclusion resulting from inability to establish interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, it might even lead to clinical [[depression]]. However, for some people, solitude is not entirely depressing. Still others (e.g. monks) regard long-term solitude as a means of spiritual enlightenment. Indeed, marooned people have been left in solitude for years without any report of psychological symptoms afterwards.

John T. Cacioppo's, University of Chicago, 2008 book, ''Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection'', outlines five distinct pathways through which social isolation contributes to increased illness and early death. He also offers an evolutionary rational for why the subjective sense of social isolation--loneliness--is so profoundly disruptive to human physiology that it impairs [[cognition]] and [[free will|will]] power, alters DNA transcription in immune cells, and leads over time to high blood pressure. [http://www.scienceofloneliness.com scienceofloneliness.com] ISBN 978-0-393-06170-3

John T. Cacioppo's, University of Chicago, 2008 book, ''Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection'', outlines five distinct pathways through which social isolation contributes to increased illness and early death. He also offers an evolutionary rational for why the subjective sense of social isolation--loneliness--is so profoundly disruptive to human physiology that it impairs [[cognition]] and [[free will|will]] power, alters DNA transcription in immune cells, and leads over time to high blood pressure. [http://www.scienceofloneliness.com ISBN 978-0-393-06170-3]

Enforced loneliness (solitary confinement) has been a punishment method throughout [[history]]. It is often considered a form of torture.

Enforced loneliness (solitary confinement) has been a punishment method throughout [[history]]. It is often considered a form of torture.