Study Links Climate Change to Sharp Rise in Depression, Schizophrenia by 2050
New Delhi: As global temperatures rise, so does the risk to our mental health, with disorders like depression and schizophrenia set to climb dramatically.
A new study led by the University of Adelaide has found that climate change may significantly increase the burden of mental and behavioural disorders (MBDs), such as schizophrenia and depression, by almost 50% by 2050. The findings, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, highlight the need to act now to protect mental health as the climate warms.
According to the study, high temperatures already contribute to an annual loss of 8,458 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), accounting for 1.8% of the total MBD burden in Australia. Young people aged 15 to 44 are particularly affected, with most losses linked to living with poor mental health.
"The detrimental impacts of climate change on good mental health and emotional states have been increasingly recognised worldwide, and it's only going to get worse unless we act," said lead author Professor Peng Bi, from the University's School of Public Health.
MBDs include a wide range of conditions related to emotional regulation, cognition, or behaviour—such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcohol and drug use, and other mental and substance use disorders.
"From mild distress to serious conditions like schizophrenia, rising temperatures are making things harder for millions," said Professor Bi.
The study also found that warmer regions, especially those closer to the equator, are more vulnerable to climate-related mental health impacts.
"These results underscore the crucial role of policymakers in developing focused public health interventions to minimise the emergence of mental health impacts of climate change, given its significant human, social and financial consequences," said Professor Bi.
"Our findings show that climate change will drive up mental health challenges beyond what population growth alone would cause," added first author Dr. Jingwen Liu.
The researchers are calling for immediate measures, including heat-health action plans, to prepare healthcare systems for increased mental health needs. They also recommend localised solutions such as community programmes and green spaces to strengthen resilience, and targeted support to ensure vulnerable groups receive care during hot periods.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence linking climate change to long-term mental health outcomes and urges policymakers to integrate mental health into climate adaptation plans.
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.