The effects of climate change on mental health
124 Citations•2023•
Annika Walinski, Julia Sander, Gabriel Gerlinger
The available evidence shows that traumatic experiences due to extreme weather events increase therisk of affective and anxiety disorders, especially the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the consequences of climate change are stress factors for mental health.
Abstract
The consequences of climate change are stress factors for mental health. Therefore, as global warming progresses, an increasing incidence and prevalence of mental illness is to be expected. Vulnerable groups, such as the (already) mentally ill, children, and adolescents, need to be protected. At the same time, there is a need for further systematic research on the mechanisms of action and effects of climate change on mental function.