Mdedge Psychcast

MDedge Psychcast host Lorenzo Norris, MD, interviews Steven Wengel, MD, about the challenges of loneliness in geriatric populations in nursing homes, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Norris also discusses potential interventions with Dr. Wengel, who is a geriatric psychiatrist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. And later, in the “Dr. RK” segment, Renee Kohanski, MD, talks about how, in the midst of the pandemic, we are slowing down while we’re speeding up … and are learning how to use – and not abuse – technology. Take-home points Loneliness has been defined as a form of social pain; it is more than sadness or a “state of mind.” Loneliness and being alone are separate issues suggesting that loneliness is more of an emotional state and being alone is often a choice. Loneliness can be characterized as deficits in authentic interactions and connection because you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Loneliness has been studied as a predictor of health proble