New Study Finds That Humidity, Heat, And Sun Exposure Can Trigger Symptoms Of Mental Disorders
This summer, states around the country experienced record-setting heat waves. And New York was not immune to the sizzling blaze.
In fact, New York experienced the tenth hottest July in the past one hundred and fifty-three years.
And according to a recent study conducted by the University at Albany, this scorching weather can seriously exacerbate symptoms of mental disorders.
The study, which has since been published in Environment International, is groundbreaking in that it is the first inquiry to evaluate numerous meteorological factors on all mental disorder classes designated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The researchers analyzed weather data from NYS Mesonet– which includes one hundred and twenty-six weather stations– and cross-referenced these findings against the rate of New York State emergency department visits.
And while a bit of sun has been found to boost energy and mood state in some people, the researchers found that exposure to overly humid and hot weather can actually push people with mental disorders to require emergency care.
Xinlei Deng, the study’s lead author, described how his research team came to this conclusion.
“By examining local weather conditions together with information on emergency department visits, we found clear trends connecting high heat, humidity, and sun exposure with increased emergency admissions due to mental disorders,” Deng explained.
More specifically, patients suffering from mood disorders, psychoactive substance use, stress disorders, and adult behavioral disorders saw the highest increase in emergency room admissions.
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And now, the research team believes these findings need to inform future patient care– especially as every single year, the U.S. continues to experience more turbulent weather fluctuations due to climate change.
“As extreme heat becomes increasingly intense and more frequent due to climate change, we can expect these changes to have adverse physiological effects on people,” underscored Shao Lin, the study’s senior author.
“Individuals with mental disorders are especially vulnerable to these changes, and our findings suggest that multiple simultaneous weather stressors may compound health risks. Efforts to hone targeted care must take combined factors into account.”
In turn, the team suggests that medical professionals and policymakers fight for the implementation of proactive preventative efforts– including access to cooling centers during summer months and the educating of patients with mental disorders regarding the impact of heat waves and sun exposure on their wellbeing.
They believe these measures can help prevent symptoms such as agitation, anger, and mental health-related violence.
To read the study’s complete findings, visit the link here.
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