# Associations of heat exposure with mental health and suicide in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

Exposure to high temperatures is linked to increased risks of mental health issues and suicide in children and adolescents, highlighting the need for early interventions and climate adaptation policies.

## Contribution

This study systematically reviews and quantifies the association between heat exposure and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents.

## Key findings

- High temperature exposure is associated with increased hospital visits for mental health disorders.
- Each 1°C temperature increase correlates with a 1.0% higher risk of suicide in children and adolescents.

## Abstract

Limited evidence exists on the association between high temperature and mental health in younger age group. We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus and PsycInfo and reviewed studies that explore the associations of heat exposure with mental health and suicide among children and adolescents ( ≤24 years). Twenty-eight observational studies published over 2007-2025 were included for systematic review. Exposure to high temperature was associated with 13% (95% confidence intervals: 1.08 to 1.19; n = 720,512) higher risk of hospital visits or hospitalizations for mental health disorders, 14% (1.01 to 1.28; n = 529,654) higher risk for schizophrenia, 18% (1.03 to 1.34; n = 146,046) higher risk for depression, and 12% (1.06 to 1.18; n = 1,188,501) higher risk for composite mental health illnesses, relative to low temperature. Each 1 °C increment in temperature was associated with 1.0% (1.00 to 1.02; n = 30,749) higher risk of suicide. Findings suggest the need for early life interventions and evidence-based adaptation policies for preventing against climate-induced mental illnesses and suicide. Optimizing policies will be important for high- and upper-middle-income countries, while more scientific evidence from lower-income economies are warranted.