Climate Change and the Impact on Patients with Behavioral Health Conditions: A Narrative Review.

Authors

Brayden Kameg

Published in

The Nursing clinics of North America. Volume 61. Issue 4. Pages 633-647. Epub Aug 11, 2026.

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant and escalating threat to behavioral health, particularly among individuals with pre-existing mental health and substance use disorders. This article synthesizes evidence on the mental health impacts of climate-related natural disasters-including geological, hydrological, meteorologic, and environmental events-consistently linking these exposures to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use, and suicidal ideation. Emerging research also demonstrates that extreme temperatures, air pollution, and environmental disruption worsen outcomes for those with severe mental illness and neurodevelopmental conditions. Nurses play a critical role in responding through trauma-informed care, education, disaster preparedness, and advocacy for equity-focused, climate-aware practice.

PMID:
42919512
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Oct 2026.

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