Climate Anxiety in People with Serious Mental Illness
People with serious mental illness (SMI) are particularly vulnerable to heat-related deaths, but little is known about how they perceive climate change and how they prepare for extreme heat. This project seeks to address this gap in care by gaining an understanding of how people are impacted by climate change, as well as educating providers and care recipients on how to better manage climate change-induced worsening conditions.
PROJECT STATUS
This project is currently in process.
AIMS
This project has three dimensions:
1) A descriptive study to characterize the psychological impact of climate change on SMI patients;
2) Provider education; and
3) Patient education.
The descriptive portion of this project aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of climate anxiety in adult patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Additionally, patient and provider education will be a large component of this project, including seminars, educational sessions, and clinician training.
METHODS
Descriptive Study: Participants completed a semi-structured interview on climate change, using a survey built in REDCap. The survey included demographic questions, the Lancet’s Global Use Survey, Clayton and Karaszia’s Climate Anxiety Scale, and a comment box for qualitative responses. This survey aimed to evaluate the emotional, cognitive, and functional impacts of climate change on this population. 108 participants were recruited from the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychosis Program and the Freedom Trail Clinic.
Provider Education: Multiple educational seminars have been presented at a national level on Climate Change and Mental Health, discussing climate actions that clinicians can take to minimize the negative impact of extreme temperatures on their patients.
Patient Education: There have also been educational sessions at shelters, group homes, mental health community clinics, and clubhouses in the Greater Boston area to promote climate-resilient behaviors. During outpatient visits, clinicians are also encouraged to give psychoeducation on climate change in relation to mental and physical health.
RESULTS FROM THE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY
We are currently analyzing climate-related concerns and distress levels across various demographic groups using SPSS software, and results will be shared once the manuscript has been published.
COE PROJECT STAFF
Oliver Freudenreich, MD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Additional Collaborators
Carol Lim, MD
Funding
Funding for this project was provided by the MGH Center of Excellence and the MGH Psychosis Clinical & Research Program.