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Shoib S, Hussaini SS, Armiya’u AY, Saeed F, Őri D, Roza TH, Gürcan A, Agrawal A, Solerdelcoll M, Lucero-Prisno III DE, Nahidi M, Swed S, Ahmed S, Chandradasa M. Prevention of suicides associated with global warming: perspectives from early career psychiatrists. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1251630. [PMID: 38045615 PMCID: PMC10693336 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1251630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change poses significant challenges to global mental health, with potential consequences including increased rates of suicide and mental health disorders. Early Career Psychiatrists (ECPs) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The Climate Psychiatry Alliance, a group of psychiatrists dedicated to improving mental health amidst climate change, recognizes the importance of cultivating climate-aware ECPs. Training ECPs to become confident climate-aware clinicians enables them to effectively treat patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD in the context of climate-related distress. Together with other mental health professionals, ECPs can contribute to efforts by implementing strategies for monitoring and treating mental health problems arising from climate events. Additionally, they can raise awareness about the psychological consequences and risks of suicide associated with climate change. Collaboration among ECPs from various regions is essential in developing community-based approaches and reducing vulnerabilities. ECPs must prioritize supporting vulnerable populations by advocating for increased funding for mental health support and research in affected areas. Long-term solutions to address the mental health impacts of climate change and global warming should be pursued to mitigate future suicidality. Integrating climate considerations into local mental health programs and expanding psychological support services is crucial. By promoting emotional resilience and self-awareness, ECPs can contribute to building a more climate-resilient and mentally healthy society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Shoib
- Department of Health Services, Srinagar, India
- Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
- Psychosis Research Centre, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Healing Mind and Wellness Initiative, Nawab Bzar, Srinagar, India
| | | | - Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | | | - Dorottya Őri
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Mental Health, Heim Pal National Paediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Thiago Henrique Roza
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ahmet Gürcan
- Department of Psychiatry, Başkent University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Aditi Agrawal
- St Elizabeth Medical Centre, Boston University Affiliate, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mireia Solerdelcoll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mahsa Nahidi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is having significant impacts on health and mental health across Europe and globally. Such effects are likely to be more severe in climate change hotspots such as the Mediterranean region, including Italy. OBJECTIVE To review existing literature on the relationship between climate change and mental health in Italy, with a particular focus on trauma and PTSD. METHODS A scoping review methodology was used. We followed guidance for scoping reviews and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. We searched for literature in MEDLINE, Global Health, Embase and PsycINFO. Following screening, data was extracted from individual papers and a quality assessment was conducted. Given the heterogeneity of studies, findings were summarized narratively. RESULTS We identified 21 original research articles investigating the relationship between climate change and mental health in Italy. Climate change stressors (heat and heatwaves in particular) were found to have several negative effects on various mental health outcomes, such as a higher risk of mortality among people with mental health conditions, suicide and suicidal behaviour and psychiatric morbidity (e.g. psychiatric hospitalization and symptoms of mental health conditions). However, there is little research on the relationship between climate change and trauma or PTSD in the Italian context. CONCLUSIONS More attention and resources should be directed towards understanding the mental health implications of climate change to prevent, promote, and respond to the mental health needs of Italy and the wider Mediterranean region. HIGHLIGHTS • Climate change stressors in Italy were found to have detrimental impacts on various mental health outcomes, such as psychiatric mortality and morbidity. • Little research on the relationship between climate change stressors and PTSD exists in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Massazza
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Vittoria Ardino
- Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.,Italian Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, Milan, Italy
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