Climate change and mental health research methods, gaps, and priorities: a scoping review

The effect modification of extreme temperatures on mental and behavior disorders by environmental factors and individual-level characteristics in Canada

“…Our findings that individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions are more likely to be at risk of MBD ED visits may help to explain potential pathways by which extreme heat may exacerbate MBDs. For instance, inherent conditions related to MBD and effects of psychiatric medications can affect impairment capacities and thermoregulatory control systems (Hwong et al, 2022;Hansen et al, 2008). Studies have shown that specific neurotransmitters related to thermoregulation may be affected during periods of extreme temperatures which affect dopaminergic transmissions and increase exacerbations of schyzophrenic episodes (Hasegawa et al, 1985;Sung et al, 2011).…”

“…higher levels of ambient air pollution, level of deprivation, urbanization) or attenuate (e.g. access to green space) the effects of extreme temperatures on MBDs (Hwong et al, 2022). In fact, very few evidence exists on whether associations between extreme ambient temperatures and MBDs can be modfied by levels of ambient air pollution (Qiu et al, 2022).…”

The clinical implications of climate change for mental health

“…There is a need to address existing global under-resourcing of mental health services and to plan for projected increased need for mental health care. In addition, planning is needed for the predictable disruption to health services due to climate-change-related events 44 . The increases in ED presentations that occur with climate-related events 29 are a result of inadequate community mental health services.…”

The Covid-19 pandemic in context of climate change perception and resource-saving behavior in the European Union countries

“…The main question is what caused this pandemic and whether this infectious disease is linked to climate change. In recent years, the link between health and climate change has been vastly analyzed by various authors (Meierriek, 2021; Hwong et al, 2022 ). Therefore, the climate change contribution could be important in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”