Severe Heat Can Affect Mental Health

Scientists have warned that extreme heat not only impacts individuals' physical health and can lead to heatstroke, but it also has significant effects on mental health. Dr. Asim Shah, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in the U.S., emphasized the psychological impacts of extreme heat in an interview with ABC, stating, "Extreme heat affects not only physical health but also mental health. Both lack and excess exposure to sunlight can lead to psychological challenges and changes." According to Dr. Shah, excessive sunlight and heat can alter serotonin levels, which in turn can lead to mood changes. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, behavior, and sleep quality, and can lead to changes such as anger, frustration, and irritability. Dr. Nathan Carroll, a senior psychiatry resident at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, also told ABC that mood changes, including irritability, may stem from the fact that extreme heat can increase cortisol levels, known as the stress hormone, in the brain. Additionally, high temperatures can negatively impact sleep quality and quantity, further increasing cortisol levels in the body. This week may be the "hottest week of the year" in Iran. Studies have shown that extreme heat can exacerbate conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. A meta-analysis in 2023 indicated that even a slight increase in average monthly temperature can lead to an increase in suicide and related behaviors. Moreover, medications used to treat certain mental disorders, such as lithium and some antidepressants, can exhibit side effects under extreme heat. For example, Dr. Carroll states that lithium, a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder, causes the kidneys to release more water, leading to increased urination and sweating, which in turn can result in dehydration and potentially toxic lithium levels in the body. He emphasized that individuals taking these medications should not stop without consulting their doctor. On the other hand, extreme heat may lead to increased hospital visits and admissions due to mental health issues. A 2022 study showed that on days when temperatures in the United States are above normal, the rate of emergency department visits for mental health-related reasons increases. Both experts stress that extreme heat should not be viewed solely as an environmental issue but should also be considered from a public health perspective, taking into account the significant effects of heat on the physical and mental health of the community.