[Climate crisis and mental health.]

Abstract

Climate change has negative effects on mental health as shown by the World health organization (Who). Heatwaves can exacerbate some mental conditions such as schizophrenia and psychosis, both in the elderly and children as well as in young adults, and increase mortality for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Subjects facing climate events such as heavy rains and flooding may suffer from a psychological problem in the short, medium and long-term. Studies from the international and Italian context show that air pollution exposure may affect common mental problems such as depression and anxiety. Taking into account the growing trend in climate extremes, there is the need to deepen the knowledge on this topic to support the implementation of prevention and mitigation interventions.