Large meta-analysis links global warming to significant rise in suicides

H.clinic of Barcelona | Tuesday, June 4, 2024

The work, carried out by the research staff of the Barcelona Clinic-IDIBAPS in collaboration with CIBER, re-analyzed all the meta-analyses conducted worldwide on the effects of climate change and air pollution on mental health, and found important links between rising temperatures and increased mortality due to suicide or mental disorders . Exposure to various pollutants is also associated with a higher incidence of dementia or cognitive decline.

The direct effects of climate change and pollution on people’s physical health, such as cardiopulmonary problems or their carcinogenic effects, are widely known. There is also great concern about the impact it has on mental health, but until now a full analysis of existing data has not been carried out.

For research published in a journal World psychiatry All meta-analyses published to date in which climate change or air pollution were associated with mental health were analyzed to group all the results obtained in a large meta-analysis (an umbrella review) from which strong conclusions could be drawn. The meta-analysis was conducted by the Imaging of Mood and Anxiety-Related Disorders (IMARD) group, led by Joaquim Raduaand the Division of Bipolar and Depressive Disorders, headed by Edward VietaHead of the Psychiatry and Psychology Service of the Barcelona Clinic, as well as members of the University of Barcelona and the CIBER Mental Health Unit (CIBERSAM).

Climate change and pollution negatively impact mental health

One of the most important results is the connection found between rising temperatures and increasing suicide rates. In particular, it was estimated that global warming may have increased. 5% of suicides, and this increase is expected to reach 7% by 2050. There has also been an increase in suicidal behavior and hospitalizations due to this problem.

“These data on the effects of climate change on mental health add to the data we already know on the effects on physical health, putting us in all caps with the urgency of advancing global climate change initiatives.”Comments Joaquim Raduafirst author of this article.

Joaquim Radua and his team also found that Long-term exposure to solvents is associated with a higher incidence of dementia or cognitive impairment. In particular, exposure to high concentrations of products such as toluene (used in paints, enamels, varnishes and adhesives, among other things) increases the likelihood of developing one of these diseases.

“The use of these solvents poses serious health risks, especially in low- and middle-income countries where it is difficult to find alternatives to these inexpensive materials for construction or manufacturing.”Comments Michelle DePrisco, IDIBAPS researcher and study co-author. “As these are products that are used all over the world, emissions of these pollutants are expected to double by 2030, which is alarming given that we now know that not only do they pose an environmental risk, but they also have serious impacts on mental health.” – he adds.

This study also shows that exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy to particulate pollutants (which may contain various substances such as benzopyrenes, furans or heavy metals) from fossil fuels and industrial activities, may increase incidence postpartum depression. Finally, it has also been found that exposure to high levels of sulfur dioxide (from burning oil and other solid fuels in industry) may increase the risk of relapse in patients with schizophrenia.

“Thanks to this research, we now have clear evidence of the negative impacts of climate change and pollution on mental health around the world. These results can be used to inform authorities and raise public awareness about the impact of air pollution and the risks of climate change on mental health and thus identify and implement measures to prevent it.”It is said Joaquim Radua.

Link to the study:

Radua J, De Prisco M, Oliva V, Fico G, Vieta E, Fusar-Poli P. The impact of air pollution and climate change on mental health outcomes: a global overview of the evidence. World psychiatry. Jun 2024;23(2):244-256. doi:10.1002/wps.21219. PMID: 38727076; PMCID: PMC11083864.