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Rizzo Pesci N, Teobaldi E, Maina G, Rosso G. Climate Change and Psychiatry: The Correlation between the Mean Monthly Temperature and Admissions to an Acute Inpatient Unit. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:826. [PMID: 39063403 PMCID: PMC11276805 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are large contributors to the global disease burden, but research on the impact of climate change on them is limited. Our aim is to investigate the correlation between temperature and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders to help inform clinical management and future public health policies. METHODS Temperature records for the summer months from 2013 to 2022 were obtained from the meteorological station of the Department of Physics of Turin University. Data on patients admitted to the acute psychiatric unit were extracted from registries of San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital (Turin, Italy). Regression analyses were used to investigate the correlation between temperature and number of admissions and to test for confounding variables. RESULTS A total of 1600 admissions were recorded. The monthly temperature and number of admissions were directly correlated (p = 0.0020). The correlation was significant for the subgroup of admissions due to Bipolar Disorders (p = 0.0011), but not for schizophrenia or major depressive disorder. After multiple regression analyses, the effect of temperature remained significant (p = 0.0406). CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the impact of meteorological factors on mental disorders, particularly on BD. This can contribute to personalised follow-up and efficient resource allocation and poses grounds for studies into etiopathological mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Rizzo Pesci
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (N.R.P.); (E.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Elena Teobaldi
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (N.R.P.); (E.T.); (G.M.)
- Psychiatric Unit, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maina
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (N.R.P.); (E.T.); (G.M.)
- Psychiatric Unit, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rosso
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (N.R.P.); (E.T.); (G.M.)
- Psychiatric Unit, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, 10043 Turin, Italy
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Costin A, Fisher D, Harper B, Nahhas RW, Sullenbarger J. Climate Change and Mental Health: An Interactive Educational Session. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2024; 20:11418. [PMID: 38645713 PMCID: PMC11026302 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity, with direct and indirect impacts on mental health, yet health impacts of climate change remain notably absent from most medical school curricula. We describe a timely interactive educational session on climate change and mental health that was implemented and studied on a medical student clinical psychiatry rotation. Methods We developed a 1-hour introductory session on the mental health impacts of climate change and potential solutions. The session was delivered to third-year medical students on their 4-week clinical psychiatry rotation and included pre- and postsession survey questions assessing their knowledge, comfort, and readiness regarding the topic. Results Seventy students participated in the session, with 49 students completing the pre- and postsession surveys, giving a response rate of 70%. The average score for the four Likert-scale questions on the survey increased from 2.7 presession to 3.9 postsession on a 5-point scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). All questions displayed statistically significant improvement. Qualitative analysis identified knowledge gained about the mental health impacts of climate change as the most important aspect of the session to students. Discussion The introductory session effectively filled an urgent need in medical education curricula regarding climate change's effects on human health. Overall, distribution of and improvement upon this timely teaching content can serve a valuable role in medical student education as the effects of climate change, particularly on mental health, continue to progress throughout the century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Costin
- Fourth-Year Medical Student, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
| | - Daniel Fisher
- Third-Year Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University
| | - Bethany Harper
- Director of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry and Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University
| | - Ramzi W. Nahhas
- Professor, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences and Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University
| | - John Sullenbarger
- Assistant Residency Training Program Director and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University
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3
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Brunette MF, Erlich MD, Edwards ML, Adler DA, Berlant J, Dixon L, First MB, Oslin DW, Siris SG, Talley RM. Addressing the Increasing Mental Health Distress and Mental Illness Among Young Adults in the United States. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:961-967. [PMID: 38015186 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent surveys show rising numbers of young people who report anxiety and depression. Although much attention has focused on mental health of adolescent youth, less attention has been paid to young people as they transition into adulthood. Multiple factors may have contributed to this steady increase: greater exposure to social media, information, and distressing news via personal electronic devices; increased concerns regarding social determinants of health and climate change; and changing social norms due to increased mental health literacy and reduced stigma. The COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily exacerbated symptoms and impacted treatment availability. Strategies to mitigate causal factors for depression and anxiety in young adults may include education and skills training for cognitive, behavioral, and social coping strategies, as well as healthier use of technology and social media. Policies must support the availability of health insurance and treatment, and clinicians can adapt interventions to encompass the specific concerns and needs of young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F Brunette
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Matthew D Erlich
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Matthew L Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - David A Adler
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey Berlant
- Canyon Manor Mental Health Rehabilitation, Novato, California
| | - Lisa Dixon
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Michael B First
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - David W Oslin
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samuel G Siris
- Department of Psychiatry, Donna and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York, New York
| | - Rachel M Talley
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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White BP, Breakey S, Brown MJ, Smith JR, Tarbet A, Nicholas PK, Ros AMV. Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change Among Vulnerable Populations Globally: An Integrative Review. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:66. [PMID: 37810609 PMCID: PMC10558031 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change has been shown to be directly linked to multiple physiological sequelae and to impact health consequences. However, the impact of climate change on mental health globally, particularly among vulnerable populations, is less well understood. Objective To explore the mental health impacts of climate change in vulnerable populations globally. Methods We performed an integrative literature review to identify published articles that addressed the research question: What are the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations globally? The Vulnerable Populations Conceptual Model served as a theoretical model during the review process and data synthesis. Findings/Results One hundred and four articles were selected for inclusion in this review after a comprehensive review of 1828 manuscripts. Articles were diverse in scope and populations addressed. Land-vulnerable persons (either due to occupation or geographic location), Indigenous persons, children, older adults, and climate migrants were among the vulnerable populations whose mental health was most impacted by climate change. The most prevalent mental health responses to climate change included solastalgia, suicidality, depression, anxiety/eco-anxiety, PTSD, substance use, insomnia, and behavioral disturbance. Conclusions Mental health professionals including physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare providers have the opportunity to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations through assessment, preventative education and care. An inclusive and trauma-informed response to climate-related disasters, use of validated measures of mental health, and a long-term therapeutic relationship that extends beyond the immediate consequences of climate change-related events are approaches to successful mental health care in a climate-changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Patrick White
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Suellen Breakey
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Margaret J. Brown
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Jenny Rand Smith
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Amanda Tarbet
- SFPE Foundation, 9711 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, US
| | - Patrice K. Nicholas
- Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health, MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1@st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Ana M. Viamonte Ros
- Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, US
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Moitra M, Owens S, Hailemariam M, Wilson KS, Mensa-Kwao A, Gonese G, Kamamia CK, White B, Young DM, Collins PY. Global Mental Health: Where We Are and Where We Are Going. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:301-311. [PMID: 37256471 PMCID: PMC10230139 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent findings in global mental health along several domains including socioeconomic determinants, inequities, funding, and inclusion in global mental health research and practice. RECENT FINDINGS Mental illness continues to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and treatment coverage continues to be low globally. Advances in integrating mental health care and adopting task-shifting are accompanied by implementation challenges. The mental health impact of recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geo-political events, and environmental change is likely to persist and require coordinated care approaches for those in need of psychosocial support. Inequities also exist in funding for global mental health and there has been gradual progress in terms of building local capacity for mental health care programs and research. Lastly, there is an increasing effort to include people with lived experiences of mental health in research and policy shaping efforts. The field of global mental health will likely continue to be informed by evidence and perspectives originating increasingly from low- and middle-income countries along with ongoing global events and centering of relevant stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modhurima Moitra
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Shanise Owens
- Department of Public Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Charles Stewart Mott, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Maji Hailemariam
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Katherine S Wilson
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Augustina Mensa-Kwao
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Gloria Gonese
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Christine K Kamamia
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Belinda White
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Dorraine M Young
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Pamela Y Collins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Hartinger SM, Yglesias-González M, Blanco-Villafuerte L, Palmeiro-Silva YK, Lescano AG, Stewart-Ibarra A, Rojas-Rueda D, Melo O, Takahashi B, Buss D, Callaghan M, Chesini F, Flores EC, Gil Posse C, Gouveia N, Jankin S, Miranda-Chacon Z, Mohajeri N, Helo J, Ortiz L, Pantoja C, Salas MF, Santiago R, Sergeeva M, Souza de Camargo T, Valdés-Velásquez A, Walawender M, Romanello M. The 2022 South America report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: trust the science. Now that we know, we must act. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 20:100470. [PMID: 37125022 PMCID: PMC10122119 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stella M. Hartinger
- Centro Latino Americano de Excelencia en Cambio Climático y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Marisol Yglesias-González
- Centro Latino Americano de Excelencia en Cambio Climático y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Luciana Blanco-Villafuerte
- Centro Latino Americano de Excelencia en Cambio Climático y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Yasna K. Palmeiro-Silva
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- University College London, London, UK
| | - Andres G. Lescano
- Centro Latino Americano de Excelencia en Cambio Climático y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | - Oscar Melo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Cambio Global, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Daniel Buss
- Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Max Callaghan
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Elaine C. Flores
- Centro Latino Americano de Excelencia en Cambio Climático y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, LSHTM, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chrissie Pantoja
- Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Universidad del Pacífico, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Raquel Santiago
- Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | | | - Armando Valdés-Velásquez
- Centro Latino Americano de Excelencia en Cambio Climático y Salud, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Rothschild J, Haase E. The mental health of women and climate change: Direct neuropsychiatric impacts and associated psychological concerns. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 160:405-413. [PMID: 36165632 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Climate change brings exposures to heat, air pollution, poorer quality food, and infectious disease that have significant direct effects on women and their mental health. These environmental impacts are multifaceted in their consequences and raise risks of depression, suicide, violent victimization, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various other neuropsychiatric symptoms. Women also suffer increased climate psychological risks from higher rates of stillbirth, preterm birth, and developmental problems in their children. Here we review what is known about the overlap of women's individual mental health and climate change, and highlight areas where more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rothschild
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Haase
- Department of Psychiatry, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, Carson City, Nevada, USA.,University of Nevada School of Medicine at Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
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8
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Yu L, Zhou T, Shao M, Zhang T, Wang J, Ma Y, Xu S, Chen Y, Zhu J, Pan F. The role of meteorological factors in suicide mortality in Wuhu, a humid city along the Yangtze River in Eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9558-9575. [PMID: 36057060 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As the climate continues to change, suicide is becoming more frequent. In this study, absolute humidity (AH) was included for the first time and Wuhu, a typical subtropical city along the Yangtze River, was taken as the research object to explore the impact of suicide death risk on meteorological factors. The daily meteorological factors and suicide mortality data of Wuhu city from 2014 to 2020 were collected. Guided by structural equation model (SEM), a time series analysis method combining distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) and generalized additive model (GAM) was adopted. To investigate the correlation among different populations, we stratified age and gender at different meteorological levels. A total of 1259 suicide deaths were collected in Wuhu. The results indicated that exceedingly low and low levels of AH short-term exposure increased suicide mortality, with the maximum effect occurring at lag 14 for both levels of exposure, when the relative risk (RR) was 1.131 (95% CI: 1.030, 1.242) and 1.065 (95% CI: 1.006, 1.127), respectively. Exposure to exceedingly high and exceedingly low levels of temperature mean (T mean) also increased suicide mortality, with maximum RR values of 1.132 (lag 14, 95% CI: 1.015, 1.263) and 1.203 (lag 0, 95% CI: 1.079, 1.340), sequentially. As for diurnal temperature range (DTR), low-level exposure decreased the risk of suicide, while high-level exposure increased this risk, with RR values of 0.955 (lag 0, 95% CI: 0.920, 0.991, minimum) and 1.060 (lag 0, 95% CI: 1.018, 1.104, maximum), sequentially. Stratified analysis showed that AH and DTR increased the suicide death risk in male and elderly people, while the risk effect of T mean have no effect on young people only. In summary, male and elderly people appear to be more vulnerable to adverse weather effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ming Shao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jinian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Wuhu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China.
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Haase E. Using Case-Based Teaching of Climate Change to Broaden Appreciation of Socio-Environmental Determinants of Mental Health. ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENCY TRAINING AND THE ASSOCIATION FOR ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY 2022; 46:574-578. [PMID: 36109425 DOI: 10.1007/s40596-022-01697-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Haase
- Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, Carson City, NV, USA.
- University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
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10
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Hwong AR, Wang M, Khan H, Chagwedera DN, Grzenda A, Doty B, Benton T, Alpert J, Clarke D, Compton WM. Climate change and mental health research methods, gaps, and priorities: a scoping review. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e281-e291. [PMID: 35278392 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Research on climate change and mental health is a new but rapidly growing field. To summarise key advances and gaps in the current state of climate change and mental health studies, we conducted a scoping review that comprehensively examined research methodologies using large-scale datasets. We identified 56 eligible articles published in Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science between Jan 1, 2000, and Aug 9, 2020. The primary data collection method used was surveys, which focused on self-reported mental health effects due to acute and subacute climate events. Other approaches used administrative health records to study the effect of environmental temperature on hospital admissions for mental health conditions, and national vital statistics to assess the relationship between environmental temperature and suicide rates with regression analyses. Our work highlights the need to link population-based mental health outcome databases to weather data for causal inference. Collaborations between mental health providers and data scientists can guide the formation of clinically relevant research questions on climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Hwong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; National Clinician Scholars Program, UCSF and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Margaret Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hammad Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - D Nyasha Chagwedera
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adrienne Grzenda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Doty
- American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tami Benton
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Alpert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Diana Clarke
- American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, USA
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van Nieuwenhuizen A, Hudson K, Chen X, Hwong AR. The Effects of Climate Change on Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Clinical Considerations. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:88. [PMID: 34874507 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01296-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent literature on the effects of climate change on child and adolescent mental health and discuss treatment and engagement by clinicians. RECENT FINDINGS Climate change affects child and adolescent mental health in many intersecting ways, including as a social and ecological determinant of health, a threat amplifier, and a source of trauma and distress. Single extreme weather events contribute to significant negative mental health consequences; however, subacute and chronic climate events also have mental health sequelae. Furthermore, awareness of the climate crisis is associated with emotional distress. Young people with pre-existing mental illness and lacking social support may be at elevated risk for climate change-related mental health effects. Climate activism is associated with resilience and positive development, but may also be a source of increased stress, particularly for marginalized youths. Climate change can affect the mental health of children and adolescents in complex and diverse ways. Sources of coping and resilience also vary greatly between individuals. Mental health clinicians must respond to this existential crisis by addressing research gaps in this area, obtaining relevant clinical training, educating their communities, and joining and supporting young people in their advocacy efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelsey Hudson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoxuan Chen
- UC Berkeley- UCSF Joint Medical Program, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alison R Hwong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco National Clinician Scholars Program, San Francisco, USA
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12
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Mathieu S, de Leo D, Koo YW, Leske S, Goodfellow B, Kõlves K. Suicide and suicide attempts in the Pacific Islands: A Systematic Literature Review. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 17:100283. [PMID: 34734201 PMCID: PMC8495100 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The Pacific Islands have some of the highest rates of suicide in the Western Pacific region. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on suicidal behaviour in the Pacific Islands. Methods A comprehensive search of Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, CINAHL and Embase databases was conducted for all articles published until 1st February 2021. Inclusion criteria included papers that referred to a pre-specified list of Pacific Islands. Papers referring exclusively to other countries were excluded. Other exclusion criteria included not being about suicide or suicide attempts or not presenting original research. Narrative synthesis was applied without meta-analysis. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Findings A total of 36 papers were included for review. Of the Pacific Islands, Kiribati has the highest age-standardised rate of suicide mortality. Key risk groups across the Islands included youth, people of Indian ethnicity in Fiji (a prominent ethnic group in Fiji), and Indigenous peoples across other Islands. Prominent methods were self-poisoning and hanging. A distinct lack of intervention studies was found. Interpretation Overall, the Pacific Islands appear to have relatively high rates of suicide and suicide attempts compared to other countries in the region. This was particularly striking among youth. This review provides important directions for future suicide prevention activities, including means restriction, sensitive media/community coverage, enhanced surveillance, and the development and evaluation of interventions tailored to the needs of young people and other cultural groups. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna Mathieu
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Diego de Leo
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yu Wen Koo
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Stuart Leske
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Benjamin Goodfellow
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre Hospitalsier Spécialisé Albert Bousquet, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Correspondence: Associate Professor Kairi Kõlves; Level 1, Building M24 Psychology, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt Campus, Griffith University, QLD, Australia, 4222.
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Sharpe I, Davison CM. Climate change, climate-related disasters and mental disorder in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051908. [PMID: 34649848 PMCID: PMC8522671 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Climate change and climate-related disasters adversely affect mental health. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and climate-related disasters and often lack adequate mental healthcare infrastructure. We used the scoping review methodology to determine how exposure to climate change and climate-related disasters influences the presence of mental disorders among those living in LMICs. We also aimed to recognise existing gaps in this area of literature. METHODS This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. To identify relevant studies, we searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, APA PsycInfo and Sociological Abstracts) from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019. We also searched the grey literature. Included studies had an adult-focused LMIC population, a climate change or climate-related disaster exposure and a mental disorder outcome. Relevant study information was extracted and synthesised. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies were identified, most of which (n=48) employed a cross-sectional design. The most commonly studied exposure-outcome combinations were flood-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n=28), flood-related depression (n=15) and storm-related PTSD (n=13). The majority of studies identified a positive exposure-outcome association. However, few studies included a baseline or comparator (ie, unexposed) group, thereby limiting our understanding of the magnitude or nature of this association. There was also great heterogeneity in this literature, making studies difficult to pool or compare. Several research gaps were identified including the lack of longitudinal studies and non-uniformity of geographic coverage. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this was the first scoping review to investigate the relationship between climate change and climate-related disaster exposures and mental disorder outcomes in LMICs. Our findings support the need for further research, but also highlight that mental health should be a priority within LMIC climate change policy considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Sharpe
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen M Davison
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Thoma MV, Rohleder N, Rohner SL. Clinical Ecopsychology: The Mental Health Impacts and Underlying Pathways of the Climate and Environmental Crisis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:675936. [PMID: 34093283 PMCID: PMC8175799 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.675936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Humankind is confronted with progressing climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, and/or destruction of the air, soil, water, and ecosystems. The climate and environmental crisis is probably one of the greatest challenges in the history of humankind. It not only poses a serious current and continuing threat to physical health, but is also an existing and growing hazard to the mental health of millions of people worldwide. This synergy of literature provides a current summary of the adverse mental health impacts of the climate and environmental crisis from the perspective of Clinical Psychology. Furthermore, it presents potential underlying processes, including biological, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social pathways. The existing data suggest that the climate and environmental crisis not only acts as a direct stressor, but can also exert a detrimental impact on the various pathways, with the potential to amplify an individual's biopsychosocial vulnerability to develop mental ill-health. This is a call for an increased investigation into this emerging research field of Clinical Ecopsychology by clinical psychologists and other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam V. Thoma
- Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging,” University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rohleder
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Chair of Health Psychology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Shauna L. Rohner
- Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging,” University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Kelman I, Ayeb-Karlsson S, Rose-Clarke K, Prost A, Ronneberg E, Wheeler N, Watts N. A review of mental health and wellbeing under climate change in small island developing states (SIDS). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS : ERL [WEB SITE] 2021; 16:033007. [PMID: 34149865 PMCID: PMC8208624 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abe57d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Small island developing states (SIDS) are often at the forefront of climate change impacts, including those related to health, but information on mental health and wellbeing is typically underreported. To help address this research lacuna, this paper reviews research about mental health and wellbeing under climate change in SIDS. Due to major differences in the literature's methodologies, results, and analyses, the method is an overview and qualitative evidence synthesis of peer-reviewed publications. The findings show that mental health and wellbeing in the context of climate change have yet to feature prominently and systematically in research covering SIDS. It seems likely that major adverse mental health and wellbeing impacts linked to climate change impacts will affect SIDS peoples. Similar outcomes might also emerge when discussing climate change related situations, scenarios, and responses, irrespective of what has actually happened thus far due to climate change. In the context of inadequate health systems and stigmatisation of mental health diagnoses and treatments, as tends to occur globally, climate change narratives might present an opening for conversations about addressing mental health and wellbeing issues for SIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Kelman
- University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
- University of Agder, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson
- University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
- United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, D-53113 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Audrey Prost
- University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Espen Ronneberg
- Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Apia, Samoa
| | - Nicola Wheeler
- Consultant (World Health Organization), Associate (Outsight International), London, United Kingdom
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Hrabok M, Delorme A, Agyapong VIO. Threats to Mental Health and Well-Being Associated with Climate Change. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 76:102295. [PMID: 32896782 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is a contributor to extreme weather events and natural disasters. The mental health effects of climate change are multifaceted, with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression predominant. This paper aims to describe the impact of climate change on mental health conditions, including risk and protective factors related to the expression of mental health conditions post-disaster, as well as a discussion of our local experience with a devastating wildfire to our region within Canada. The risk of the development of mental health conditions post-disaster is not equally distributed; research has consistently demonstrated that specific risk factors (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status and education, pre-existing mental health symptomatology), are associated with increased vulnerability to mental health conditions following natural disasters. There are multiple strategies that must be undertaken by communities to enhance adjustment and coping post-disaster, including improved access to care, inter-agency cooperation, enhanced community resiliency, and adequate preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Hrabok
- Dission of Community Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aaron Delorme
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vincent I O Agyapong
- Dission of Community Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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