Social isolation and loneliness: a practical guide for doctors
Loneliness isn’t the same as social isolation, and new research shows each carries different mental health risks for older adults. This short article summarises key findings and gives you practical questions and next steps you can use in a standard consultation to spot at‑risk patients and decide when psychological referral is warranted.
Perfectionism
As medical professionals, you're likely familiar with the immense pressures many individuals face today. One insidious mindset that's increasingly prevalent and debilitating is unhealthy perfectionism. This isn't about striving for excellence; it's about setting unrealistic standards for oneself.

