New research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) suggests even modest, short-term changes in weather can have a measurable impact on NHS mental health service demand across England.
New research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) suggests even modest, short-term changes in weather can have a measurable impact on NHS mental health service demand across England.
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), found fluctuations in temperature and levels of sunshine are linked to shifts in unscheduled mental health-related healthcare use – with increases during periods of hot weather and low sunshine.
In contrast, rainfall appears to have little consistent effect, suggesting specific weather patterns - rather than overall conditions - as key drivers of mental health pressures.
The findings, published today in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, highlight the role of environmental conditions in influencing mental health–related healthcare demand.
Read More: University of East Anglia
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