How temperature changes impact mental health

Hyderabad: Temperature changes may have a significant impact on mental health, particularly for individuals with mood disorders.

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that while warmer temperatures may alleviate depression symptoms, they can also worsen manic episodes.

Researchers found that a 1°C rise in daily temperature reduced depressive symptoms by 0.2% but increased manic symptoms by 0.4%.

These findings highlight the need for greater awareness and targeted mental health interventions, especially as climate change continues to drive temperature fluctuations.

Study Findings on Temperature and Mood

Researchers analyzed data from 4,000 adults with depressive symptoms and 2,132 adults with manic symptoms between 2021 and 2023.

Participants used the smartphone app Juli, which measured their mood through the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) for depression and the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM) for mania.

Temperature data from participants’ locations was collected two weeks before each assessment.

The study found that the temperature individuals were accustomed to played a larger role in mood changes than the actual recorded temperature. This suggests that extreme fluctuations, rather than absolute heat, may be more disruptive to mental health.

Expert Opinions on Heat and Mental Health

Dr. Rijuta Kumar, a psychiatrist based in Hyderabad, speaking to NewsMeter, explained, “Heat exposure can disrupt sleep, increase irritability, and intensify manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. On the other hand, sunlight and warmth may boost serotonin levels, which can help reduce depressive symptoms.”

Clinical psychologist Dr. Shimona Patel added, “Higher temperatures may lead to increased outdoor activity, which could explain the slight improvement in depressive symptoms. However, heat-related stress can also contribute to agitation and impulsivity in those prone to mania.”

Implications for Mental Health Care

Experts believe these findings can help mental health professionals prepare for seasonal shifts in mood disorders.

“It’s important to educate patients and caregivers about temperature-related mood changes so they can take precautions,” said Dr. Patel. “Using cooling strategies for those prone to mania and ensuring sunlight exposure for those with depression may help manage symptoms better.”

The study underscores the need for targeted interventions based on temperature patterns, ensuring that individuals with mood disorders receive the right support during seasonal changes.