Climate change and psychological distress: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background:The increasing prevalence of climate change has raised concerns about its potential impact on human health. While much attention has been given to the physical health effects, there is a growing recognition of the psychological toll of climate change. This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate the association between climate change and psychological diseases.Method:A thorough search was conducted in major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO, to identify relevant studies published between ۲۰۱۹ and ۲۰۲۳. The search terms included variations of climate change, global warming, psychological diseases, mental health disorders, and psychological well-being. Studies were included if they focused on the relationship between climate change and psychological diseases in human populations. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers.Result:A total of ۱۵ studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. The studies explored a wide range of psychological diseases, including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorders. Overall, the evidence suggests a significant association between climate change and increased risk of psychological diseases. The identified risk factors include extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation, and the perceived threat of climate change. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, appeared to be particularly susceptible.Conclusion:The findings of this systematic review highlight the complex interplay between climate change and psychological diseases. The identified risk factors underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that address both the physical and psychological impacts of climate change. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, and psychologists are necessary to mitigate and respond to the psychological toll of a changing climate.

کلیدواژه ها:

psychological diseases ، mental health ، climate change ، well-being ، mental health