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Climate Change Anxiety in Adults with Schizophrenia: a Descriptive Study.
Carol Lim1,2,3, Sophie Freudenreich4,5, James McKowen4,6
1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 151 Merrimac St, 4th fl, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. clim@mgh.harvard.edu.
Community Mental Health Journal
|June 28, 2025
Summary
Climate anxiety affects schizophrenia patients, with many reporting moderate concerns and some dissatisfaction with government actions. Severe impacts were uncommon, highlighting the need for targeted mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Climate anxiety is a growing concern, potentially impacting mental health.
- Individuals with schizophrenia face heightened vulnerability to climate change effects.
- Limited research exists on climate anxiety within the schizophrenia population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate climate anxiety levels in outpatients with schizophrenia.
- To assess perceptions of government responses to climate change among this group.
- To inform the development of targeted mental health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 108 adult outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- Utilized validated surveys to measure climate-related emotions and beliefs.
- Data collected between March and July 2024.
Main Results:
- A majority of participants reported moderate levels of climate anxiety.
- Some participants expressed dissatisfaction with government climate change responses.
- Severe functional impairments directly attributed to climate anxiety were infrequent.
Conclusions:
- Climate anxiety is present in individuals with schizophrenia, necessitating attention.
- Understanding this vulnerable population's concerns is crucial for preparedness.
- Interventions should consider climate-related distress and perceptions of governance.
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