Study warns of rising mental health risks due to extreme heat

Mental and behaviour challenges like depression can spike due to extreme hot weather.

A new study led by the University of Adelaide has raised concerns that rising temperatures could significantly increase the prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders (MBD), such as schizophrenia and depression, potentially raising the burden by nearly 50% by 2050.

The findings highlight the urgent need for action to protect mental health in the face of climate change.

The research, published in Nature Climate Change, found that high temperatures were responsible for an annual loss of 8,458 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), making up 1.8% of the total MBD burden in Australia. This effect is most pronounced among young people aged 15 to 44, with the majority of losses linked to poor mental health.

Lead author Professor Peng Bi from the University's School of Public Health warned that the detrimental effects of climate change on mental health are becoming increasingly recognised worldwide, with the situation likely to worsen unless immediate action is taken. "From mild distress to severe conditions like schizophrenia, rising temperatures are exacerbating challenges for millions," said Professor Bi.

Mental and behavioural disorders (MBDs) include a wide range of conditions that impact emotional regulation, cognition, and behaviour, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.

The study emphasises that climate change is worsening these conditions, with the most significant effects seen in warmer regions closer to the equator.

Dr. Jingwen Liu, the study's first author, added that the findings show climate change will increase mental health challenges beyond the impact of population growth alone. "Policymakers must focus on developing targeted public health interventions to mitigate the mental health effects of climate change," Dr. Liu said, stressing the significant social, financial, and human consequences.