Temperature-related deaths in people with psychosis, dementia and substance misuse.
BACKGROUND
Climate change is expected to have significant effects on human health, partly through an increase in extreme events such as heatwaves. People with mental illness may be at particular risk.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate risk conferred by high ambient temperature on patients with psychosis, dementia and substance misuse.


METHODS
We applied time-series regression analysis to data from a nationally representative primary care cohort study. Relative risk of death per 1°C increase in temperature was calculated above a threshold.


RESULTS
Patients with mental illness showed an overall increase in risk of death of 4.9% (95% CI 2.0-7.8) per 1°C increase in temperature above the 93rd percentile of the annual temperature distribution. Younger patients and those with a primary diagnosis of substance misuse demonstrated greatest mortality risk.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased risk of death during hot weather in patients with psychosis, dementia and substance misuse has implications for public health strategies during heatwaves.
Mental Health Liaison Team, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. lisa.page1@nhs.net
Lisa A
LA
Page
Shakoor
S
Hajat
R Sari
RS
Kovats
Louise M
LM
Howard
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000401:mortality*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000401:mortality*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000401:mortality*; D055815:Young Adult