Carol Lim, Sophie Freudenreich, James McKowen, Sarah Maclaurin, Oliver Freudenreich
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Climate anxiety can motivate adaptive behaviors but can become debilitating when excessive. People with schizophrenia are particularly vulnerable to extreme climate events, yet little is known about their climate-related concerns. This study examines climate anxiety levels and perceptions of government responses in outpatients with schizophrenia to inform targeted mental health interventions. From March to July 2024, 108 adult outpatients with schizophrenia participated in semi-structured interviews using two validated surveys assessing climate-related emotions and beliefs about government responses. Many participants reported moderate climate anxiety, with some dissatisfaction regarding government actions. Severe functional impairments due to climate anxiety were uncommon. Understanding climate anxiety in people with schizophrenia, an easily overlooked vulnerable group to climate change-related morbidity and mortality, is critical to enhance preparedness and mitigate psychiatric and physical health risks.
期刊介绍:
Community Mental Health Journal focuses on the needs of people experiencing serious forms of psychological distress, as well as the structures established to address those needs. Areas of particular interest include critical examination of current paradigms of diagnosis and treatment, socio-structural determinants of mental health, social hierarchies within the public mental health systems, and the intersection of public mental health programs and social/racial justice and health equity. While this is the journal of the American Association for Community Psychiatry, we welcome manuscripts reflecting research from a range of disciplines on recovery-oriented services, public health policy, clinical delivery systems, advocacy, and emerging and innovative practices.