A new nationwide study has found that hospitals report more patients needing mental health services during periods of extreme heat during emergency department visits. During summer days with higher-than-normal temperatures, visits for mental health-related conditions rise, including anxiety and stress disorders, substance use, and mood disorders.
The Boston University School of Public Health study obtained medical claims data on mental health-related emergency room visits of more than 200 million Medicare Advantage enrollees throughout the US. Researchers analyzed approximately 3.5 million of these visits from adults aged 18 or older from 2010 to 2019.
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Days with a record of extreme heat, defined as temperatures above the 95th percentile of temperature distributions, were most linked with emergency room visits for childhood-onset behavioral disorders and substance use disorders, followed by stress and anxiety and mood disorders. Extreme heat was also associated with emergency room visits for schizophrenia.
It was found that the impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and equally evident in both men and women in every region of the country. These results were able to show that heat can profoundly impact the mental health of people regardless of sex, age, or where they live.
Researchers want to identify public health strategies that can help alert people to the risks posed by extreme heat for future studies. Research we will also explore the impact of elevated temperatures on mental health during more extended periods.
The lingering effects of COVID-19 on mental health will also help to shape this work. Social isolation, lockdowns, and general uncertainty during the pandemic have increased the need for mental health services. As the upcoming summer season approaches, it is essential to keep in mind the combination of the pandemic and climate as stressors that may exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
Taking Care of Mental Health
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Most people do not know the relationship between extreme heat in the summer months and mental health. But for those with pre-existing mental health conditions, it is essential to understand brain functions and how to reduce the risks posed by summer weather.
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Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
