Climate-related distress in individuals with mental disorders in Germany: Results from a cross-sectional study

Climate anxiety describes emotional responses such as worry or distress related to climate change. While it is common and linked to mental health in the general population, little is known about its relevance for individuals with pre-existing mental disorders.

A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Germany between March and July 2025 among adults with at least one self-reported mental disorder. Participants provided socio-demographic and clinical information and completed four items assessing dimensions of climate-related distress: general concern, perceived impact on mental well-being, perceived effects of climatic events on psychological symptoms, and interference with everyday functioning. Group differences were examined using non-parametric tests, and associations with age were analyzed using Spearman correlations with Bonferroni correction.

The sample included 427 participants (mean age 36.5 years; 73% female). Reported climate-related distress levels were relatively low across all dimensions within this sample, with minimal interference with daily functioning. Gender differences were found only for perceived effects of climatic events on psychological symptoms, with women reporting higher impact. Associations with age were weak and not significant after correction. Exploratory analyses indicated some variation across diagnostic groups, but most differences were small and did not remain significant after correction.

Climate-related distress among individuals with mental disorders appears present but generally modest and rarely functionally impairing. Weak and inconsistent associations with sociodemographic and diagnostic factors suggest that climate-related distress is not strongly structured by specific diagnoses, supporting its consideration within broader clinical and psychological contexts.