Isolation as a punishment, known as solitary confinement or segregation, involves confining individuals to cells for most of the day, limiting human contact to reduce control and increase isolation. While used for disciplinary actions, security, or to manage specific individuals, it can be a severe form of punishment, often considered cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or even torture by the UN when prolonged. The practice can cause severe psychological harm, leading to anxiety, depression, psychosis, self-harm, and a lasting loss of identity and connection to the world.Â