Mental health hospital admissions among children rise on hotter days, study finds

Mental health hospital admissions among children and adolescents in New South Wales increased on days with higher temperatures, according to a University of Sydney study covering 2001 to 2022. The study examined all mental health admissions for children up to age 12 and adolescents aged 13 to 17. Admissions rose during hotter periods, with the increase most noticeable in the cold season.

Heat and mental health mechanisms Researchers said high temperatures impair the body's ability to regulate internal temperature, which can affect cell function, inflammation, blood pressure, and brain cooling. The same conditions can reduce sleep quality and social interaction.

The study found links between elevated temperatures and several conditions, including substance use, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and behavioral disorders.

Projected rise in heat-related admissions Under low or moderate greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, heat-attributable admissions are projected to increase 6.0% to 7.7% by 2090–2099. Under a high-emissions scenario, the projected increase reaches 20.8%.

Lead author Wen-Qiang He said hotter-than-normal weather, which is becoming more frequent because of climate change, is already affecting the mental health of some of the most vulnerable young people. The study called for measures such as air-conditioned spaces in schools and youth centers, adjusted school schedules during peak heat, and inclusion of mental health considerations in public heat warnings.