Loneliness state in mentally ill patients of later life

The purpose of the study is to identify the prevalence of loneliness among mental ill patients in late adulthood and the factors conducing and preventing its development. 235 patients living alone at the age of 60 and over followed-up in psychoneurological dispensary were examined by means of clinical and social psychological methods. The state of loneliness was detected in the great majority of patients (56.2%). They composed the main group, the rest – the control one. The comparative analysis was conducted on the basis of demographic, social and social- psychological and clinical indices. Forming and protective factors of loneliness state in patients were determined