What's new in 22q - Episode 7 - Loneliness and self-esteem in 22q11DS

🎙️ Podcast Description:
This podcast focus at recent scientific studies about 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Together, we break down research that helps us better understand different parts of this complex syndrom.

🧠 Featured Research Article:
1. Loneliness in daily life: A comparison between youths with autism spectrum disorders and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (2025)
2. Self- Esteem and Psychopathology Differentially Relate to Real- Life and Social Functioning in People With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (2025)

Abstract:

First, Feller et al.'s study, "Loneliness in daily life: A comparison between youths with autism spectrum disorders and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS)" published in Autism Research, explored daily loneliness in young people with 22q11DS. This research showed that their momentary loneliness levels were comparable to typically developing peers, and like others, they felt more lonely when physically alone. Uniquely for 22q11DS, they displayed greater moment-to-moment variability in loneliness and a higher "affinity for being alone." Importantly, loneliness was not significantly tied to a decrease in positive emotions for 22q11DS, unlike other groups. A critical point for families: the mental health reported by the individual with 22q11DS themselves was strongly linked to their feelings of loneliness, emphasizing the importance of valuing their own self-perceptions.

Next, Accinni et al.'s research, "Self- Esteem and Psychopathology Differentially Relate to Real- Life and Social Functioning in People With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome" from the International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, focused on self-esteem, mental health, and daily functioning in 22q11DS, including those with psychosis. This study reminds us that psychotic disorders are a frequent concern in 22q11DS. They found that individuals with 22q11DS had similar self-esteem levels whether or not they had developed psychosis. However, those without psychosis showed significantly better overall and social functioning. The study revealed that higher severity of psychotic symptoms was strongly linked to poorer overall and social functioning, and lower self-esteem. While higher self-esteem was associated with better general daily functioning, it wasn't specifically tied to social abilities. This highlights that the severity of psychotic symptoms particularly impacts social and interpersonal functioning in 22q11DS.

In summary, these studies offer a nuanced view. They suggest we pay close attention to your loved one’s self-reported feelings of loneliness, understanding their unique fluctuations and comfort with solitude. They also underline that while self-esteem may be consistent, the presence and severity of psychotic symptoms are key factors affecting their engagement in daily life and social interactions. To support them best, encourage social connections as a protective factor against loneliness, and consider psychological interventions to help improve their overall daily functioning.

Reference :
Feller et al.'s study, "Loneliness in daily life: A comparison between youths with autism spectrum disorders and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS)
"Self- Esteem and Psychopathology Differentially Relate to Real- Life and Social Functioning in People With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome" from the International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience