Impact of Climate and Pollution on Schizophrenia: A Narrative on Exposure-Response Relationship

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the relationship between environment and psychological well-being has been paid attention among researchers. With the preceding emphasis on climate change, significant studies have been conducted to analyze the relationship between air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO­­­­2), oxidants (OX), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) of size ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5), and atmospheric factors like surrounding temperature, relative humidity, and their impact on health, especially mental health. Materials and Methods: This narrative review was conducted on the exposure-response relationship between environmental factors and air pollutants, and one type of mental health challenge, schizophrenia. Accordingly, the data analysis techniques applied to this problem were reviewed. The key research elements considered from existing studies included the relation between air quality and mental health, mathematical models, data sources, and areas that remain unexplored.  Results: It was observed that most studies related to the environmental impact on schizophrenia have been limited to temperature and few pollutants. Conclusion: In the primary feasibility study, PM2.5, PM10, and temperature had a positive correlation and lag effect with the daily number of emergency admissions of schizophrenia.