New Delhi:
Rising temperatures can not only affect physical health, but according to a new study, by 2050, can also increase the burden of mental and behavioral disorders (MBDs) such as schizophrenia and depression.
Research led by the University of Adelaide now requires immediate work to protect mental health as the climate is heated.
Published in the Nature Climate Change Journal, the study shows that high temperatures contributed to the annual damage of the 8,458 disability-tied life year (Dalys), which represents 1.8 percent of the total MBD burden in Australia.
Youths between the age of 15 to 44 are particularly affected, with most damage to live with poor mental health.
Professor Peng B, lead author of the University’s School of Public Health, said, “The harmful effects of climate change on good mental health and emotional states have been rapidly recognized worldwide, and it is only going to deteriorate until we work.”
MBDS involves a comprehensive spectrum of symptoms associated with crisis or loss in important functional areas, including a person’s emotional regulation, cognition, or behavior, anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, alcohol, drug use, and other mental and substance use disorders.
“From mild crisis to serious conditions, such as schizophrenia, rising temperatures are making things difficult for millions,” said Professor BI.
The study found that the warm region, close to the equator, face high risks.
Professor bye said, “These results underline the important role of policy makers in developing public health interventions centered to reduce the emergence of mental health effects of climate change, with its important human, social and financial results.”
First author Dr. Jingwen Liu said, “Our findings suggest that climate change will move beyond the challenges of mental health.”
Researchers ask for immediate action, including heat–health action plans to prepare healthcare systems for growing mental health requirements, localized solutions, such as community programs and green spaces to make flexibility and support for weak groups, to ensure that they need the most risk that they need during the warm period.
(This story is not edited by NDTV employees and auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)