Impacts of Climate Change on Mental Health and Its Underlying Mechanisms: An Umberella Review Publisher



Davariniamotlaghquchan A ; Niazmand Z ; Shafiee M ; Ostadtaghizadeh A
Source: Annals of General Psychiatry Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Climate change represents a major global health challenge with potential implications for mental health. Exposure to climate-related stressors is associated with an elevated risk of psychiatric disorders, including trauma- and stressor-related disorders (e.g., PTSD), depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Vulnerable populations—including children, women, older adults, individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, and communities in low-income or disaster-prone regions—may be disproportionately affected. This umbrella review synthesizes current evidence on the mental health impacts of climate change, focusing on clinically relevant outcomes and underlying mechanisms. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for systematic reviews published between January 2014 and October 2024. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist, which evaluates methodological rigor, clarity of research questions, and appropriateness of data synthesis. Only English-language systematic reviews scoring ≥ 5/11 on the JBI checklist—reflecting moderate to high methodological quality—were included. Non-systematic reviews and studies without accessible full texts were excluded. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251133963). Results: Climate change may affect mental health through both direct and indirect pathways. Direct impacts include elevated risk or worsening of PTSD, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and suicidal behaviors, which may be precipitated or exacerbated by climate-related stressors. Indirect effects operate via socioeconomic disruptions, such as food insecurity, forced migration, poverty, and weakened social networks. Psychological responses described as eco-anxiety and solastalgia further illustrate the range of mental health outcomes associated with environmental changes. Conclusion: Climate change is associated with clinically relevant psychiatric outcomes across established diagnostic categories. The mechanisms underlying these associations involve complex neurobiological, socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural pathways. These findings underscore the importance of targeted psychiatric interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused therapies, resilience-building, strengthening social support, promoting adaptive coping strategies, and enhancing preparedness of mental health services. Prioritizing vulnerable populations for psychiatric assessment, prevention, and intervention is essential. Integrating these strategies into clinical practice and public health planning is critical to support evidence-based mental health care. © The Author(s) 2026.