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Some (don’t) Like it Hot. Persistent High Temperatures Increase Depression and Anxiety

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandro Palma

    (Gran Sasso Science Institute)

  • Giulia Martinelli

    (Gran Sasso Science Institute)

Abstract

We study the impacts of high temperatures on milder mental health outcomes using clinical administrative data from a National Health Service of England programme treating anxiety and depression. Leveraging monthly variation in temperatures at the English Clinical Commissioning Group level, we find robust evidence indicating that extremely hot temperatures, i.e. above 34℃, lead to an increase in the demand for mental health support, assessments, and treatments by approximately 10, 15 and 12 per cent, respectively. We also show that when temperature shocks are long-lasting and result in heat waves longer than ten days, the effects are particularly pronounced. These results are not affected by individuals’ adaptive response to similar heat stress experienced in the previous month or year. Our back-of-the-envelope calculation indicates that the monetary health costs associated with heat stress are substantial.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Palma & Giulia Martinelli, 2024. "Some (don’t) Like it Hot. Persistent High Temperatures Increase Depression and Anxiety," Discussion Paper series in Regional Science & Economic Geography 2024-02, Gran Sasso Science Institute, Social Sciences, revised Oct 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:ahy:wpaper:wp46
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    mental health; temperatures; heatwaves; adaptation; health costs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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