“Rising Temperatures, Rising Concerns: How Heat Waves Impact Mental Health and Hospital Admissions”
New Delhi: As the world experiences the hottest years on record, the impact of extreme heat on mental health is becoming increasingly concerning. Heat waves have been linked to a spike in hospital admissions for mental health issues, with research showing that the risk is particularly high for individuals living with schizophrenia.
Studies have shown that extreme heat can exacerbate existing mental illnesses, leading to an increase in hospitalizations and even death for individuals with schizophrenia. The relationship between mental illness and temperature has only recently been quantified, with researchers finding that individuals with schizophrenia are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to the disruption of thermoregulatory functions in the brain.
In a study conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, researchers found that minimum air temperature had a significant relationship to the number of hospitalizations for schizophrenia. The risk was highest in both extremely cold and extremely hot conditions, with hospitalizations costing the healthcare system over $2 million. Similarly, during the 2021 heat dome in British Columbia, over 600 deaths were reported, with schizophrenia being the chronic condition most associated with the risk of death during extreme heat.
The impact of extreme heat on mental illness is not limited to schizophrenia. With one in every five Canadians experiencing a mental illness each year, the broader implications of heat on mental health are significant. Heat has been linked to a wide range of mental health issues, including major depression, and systemic inequities in treatment and care for those experiencing mental illness.
To address the impact of extreme heat on mental health, measures need to be taken to ensure access to air conditioning for all Canadians, particularly vulnerable populations. Additionally, designing cities to be greener can have multiple benefits, including reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and enhancing mental health outcomes.
As the climate continues to change, it is essential to take steps to mitigate the negative impacts of extreme heat on mental health. By ensuring that our cities are designed to benefit all residents, we can reduce the burden on individuals living with mental illness and create a healthier and more resilient community for all.