[Later is too late: why psychiatrists must take action today for patients and the climate].

Abstract

Background: Climate change is a pressing issue, with significant effects also in Europe. In particular younger generations will face negative consequences of climate change, including impact on mental health. Therefore, climate change is relevant to psychiatrists.

Aim: In this article, we explain how climate change leads to mental health problems and what psychiatrists can do.

Method: Overview based on a recent European position paper on the consequences of climate change for mental health and recent literature RESULTS: Climate change leads to mental health problems on multiple levels: through direct consequences of disasters (for example, traumatization), as well as the effects of heat on mental health and adverse effects on social and societal determinants of mental health. These effects are most likely greatest in non-Western countries, where resources are limited. Additionally, there are mental complaints due to an increase in climate anxiety, especially among young people.

Conclusion: We call on the field of psychiatry to increase and share interdisciplinary knowledge and take actions to prepare for the consequences of climate change. Actions are needed at multiple levels including preparing direct patient care for effects of climate change (e.g., preparing for heatwaves), reducing further climate change (moving towards sustainable health care systems), and by influencing the public debate.